Bangladesh Recall Litton Das for Upcoming West Indies Tests; Shanto to Continue as Captain
Veteran Wicketkeeper-Batter Mushfiqur Rahim Sidelined
Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim has been left out of the Bangladesh squad for the upcoming two-Test series against West Indies due to a finger injury. This marks the first time in 16 years that Bangladesh will be heading into a Test series without any of the experienced trio of Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, or Mushfiqur in the squad.
Mushfiqur, who has featured in 94 Tests for Bangladesh, has been sidelined with a shoulder injury since the Pakistan Test series in August. He sustained the finger injury during the first ODI against Afghanistan in Sharjah last week. Tamim has not played a Test since last year, while Shakib announced his retirement in Kanpur in September, though he couldn’t play his desired farewell Test in Dhaka last month.
Litton Das Recalled, Shanto to Continue as Captain
Despite the absence of these stalwarts, Bangladesh have brought back wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das into the squad after he missed the second Test against South Africa in Chattogram and the three ODIs against Afghanistan due to fever. Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue as the Bangladesh captain, despite his desire to leave the position during the South Africa series.
Strong Pace Attack and Spin Department
Bangladesh have a strong pace attack at their disposal, including Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, and Nahid Rana. Uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad has been added to the spin department, which also includes vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam.
Top-Order Batters Retained, Mushfiqur’s Absence an Opportunity
The top-order batters Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, and Zakir Hasan have been retained, with Shanto and Mominul Haque set to bat at No. 3 and 4, respectively. Mushfiqur’s absence could see Jaker Ali or Mahidul Islam Ankon step up, while Litton is likely to bat at No. 7 and keep wickets.
Upcoming Tour Schedule
Bangladesh will begin the tour with a four-day warm-up game at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, followed by the first Test in Antigua from November 22. The second Test will be played in Jamaica, starting November 30. The visitors will then play three ODIs and as many T20Is, but their white-ball squad has not been announced yet.
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