BCB announced their squad for the 1st Test to face Pakistan in Chattogram. Shakib Al Hasan’s fitness assessment will be done, and his selection will be based on the results of those assessments, as the all-rounder is nursing a hamstring injury picked up during the T20 World Cup.
Mahmudul Hasan Roy and Rejaur Rehman Raja are the two new names in the Bangladesh Test setup. Both these cricketers have been doing a tremendous job in the National Cricket League, which warranted them a place in the national side. Roy, who represents Chattogram Division in the NCL, scored 345 runs at an average of 57.69 whilst Sylhet Division’s Raja picked up 12 wickets at an average of 16.91.
Bangladesh have some other major injury concerns ahead of this Test series. Their talismanic opener Tamim Iqbal has been ruled out of the series with a fracture on his thumb. Another major change the side must deal with is the retirement of Mahmudullah, who leaves a massive hole in the middle order for this side.
Mominul Haque has been appointed captain of this team, and there is plenty of experience across all departments in this unit with the presence of Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan (if he clears his fitness Tests).
Since the start of 2019, Bangladesh have managed to defeat only Zimbabwe in the longest format and to face the on-song Pakistani unit will be some challenge for them. Having visited Pakistan for a Test series back in February 2020, they had lost the only Test they got to play in Rawalpindi.
Chief Selector Minhajul Abedin has mentioned that he is expecting a big performance from Bangladesh despite Pakistan being favorites to go all the way. He believes that they can throw in a major fight if the side remains patient and disciplined.
