DHAKA, Feb 16, 2020 (BSS) – In responding to their recent debacle in the longer version format, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) brought up as weeping change to the squad for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe, starting on February 22 at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Bangladesh lost six straight Test matches with the five came at the innings margin, forcing the selectors to rethink about their strategy in this format.
As many as four players were axed, including the batting stalwart
Mahmudullah Riyad, who is also the Bangladesh captain in Twenty20 format.
Along with him, fast bowlers Rubel Hossain and Al-Amin Hossain were also not
considered while Soumya Sarkar opted out the Test due to his wedding
programme.
Mushfiqur Rahim who opted against touring Pakistan, citing security
concerns, returned to the Test. The players who also made comeback are off-
spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz, fast bowlers-Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman.
The BCB included two uncapped players in middle order batsman Yasir Ali
Chowdhury and pace bowler Hasan Mahmud, who have been in tremendous form in
the domestic circuit. Chairman of BCB National Selection Panel Minhajul
Abedin said: “I believe we have selected the best possible Test squad under
present circumstances.”
There is a very nice blend of experience and potential. “It is unfortunate
that some players had to miss out but our priority has been to ensure balance
and continuity. We felt that Mahmudullah needed a break from the red ball.
Al-Amin has niggles and that’s why we thought he should be given the time
to be fully ready for the limited overs matches where he is more important.
Rubel is not part of our red ball plans for the moment.
Soumya had applied for a leave and therefore has not been considered,” he
added. “We think Hasan Mahmud and Yasir Ali Chowdhury have tremendous
potential and they are very much part of our future plans.
Squad: Mominul Haque (Captain), Tamim Iqbal Khan, Saif Hassan,
NajmulHossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Liton Kumer
Das,Taijul Islam, Abu Jayed Chowdhury, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadat Hossain,Taskin
Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Yasir ali
Chowdhury.