Five Pacers Lead Bangladesh’s Squad for Pakistan Test Series
Five Pacers Lead Bangladesh’s Squad for Pakistan Test Series: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a 16-man squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan. The squad includes five pacers, with Taskin Ahmed set to join for the second Test of the series.
Taskin, who has not played a Test since June 2023, has primarily focused on white-ball cricket in preparation for this year’s Twenty20 World Cup. He has also been getting better from an injury to his shoulder. Before rejoining the Test squad, Taskin will play for Bangladesh A, who are also touring Pakistan. This move aims to help him regain his rhythm for longer-format matches.
“We have decided to include him in the A team for the second four-day game against Pakistan A to get him into the rhythm for longer format matches,” Gazi, the head of selection, said in a statement on Sunday. Since June of last year, he has not bowled in a Test match.”
The experienced wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim is set to add to his 88 Test caps after being named in the squad. He replaces 22-year-old Shahadat Hossain, who debuted last year.
“The likes of Mushfiqur, Mominul, and Shakib have played 216 matches combined, and there is no substitute for that kind of experience,” Hossain stated.
On Tuesday, the Bangladeshi team will leave early to drive to Lahore, Pakistan, for practice sessions. The first Test is set to begin in Rawalpindi on August 21.
Bangladesh Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed.
This series marks an important step for Bangladesh as they seek to build momentum ahead of a busy cricketing calendar, including the upcoming Champions Trophy. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, the team aims to put on a strong performance in Pakistan.
