DHAKA, (Web Desk) – Shakib Al Hasan, who missed the March Tests against South Africa owing to personal issues, has returned to Bangladesh’s squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka on May 15 at Chattogram. Uncapped fast bowler Rejaur Rahman Raja, who was also chosen to the Pakistan Test team last year, has been named to the 16-man squad.
Shakib’s last outing in whites was against Pakistan at home before skipping the Tests against New Zealand and South Africa.
Shadman Islam and Abu Jayed were unable to make the team, and Taskin Ahmed is currently recuperating from a shoulder injury. Shoriful Islam, a left-arm quick, was selected in the team pending to fitness after missing the Tests in South Africa owing to an ankle ailment.
However, the squad has additional injury problems, with Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz both hurting themselves during their Dhaka Premier League encounter in Savar. However, head selector Minhajul Abedin stated that their injuries are minor.
“[Mushfiqur and Mehidy’s injuries] are not significant, and they will play in the Tests,” Abedin added. “Shadman will take part in the practise match (against Sri Lanka). Raja has already played in the Test side, and he returns because we have injury problems in the speed area.”
If Shoriful is fit, he will most likely share the new ball with Khaled Ahmed, who impressed against South Africa.
Sri Lanka is set to arrive in Chattogram on May 8 for a two-match Test series as part of the World Test Championship, while the hosts will also arrive on the same day to prepare for the series. On May 10 and 11, the teams will conduct a two-day practise match in BKSP. The second Test begins on May 23 in Dhaka.