Hridoy, Jaker return as Taskin rests

Bangladesh announce Test squad for Afghanistan, with Nayeem, Emon and Musfik named in reserves.

Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali have earned recalls to Bangladesh’s squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan after impressing with the bat during the Bangladesh A team’s tour of South Africa.

Experienced pacer Taskin Ahmed, however, has been rested, while Nahid Rana has missed out despite recovering from injury.

Bangladesh will face Afghanistan in the Test from 9 to 13 October in the United Arab Emirates. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a 15-member squad for the match on Saturday.

Hridoy made his Test debut against Zimbabwe in June but managed just 12 runs across two innings, which saw him miss out on the squad for the Australia tour. However, the 25-year-old returned to the selectors’ radar after producing an unbeaten 350 for Bangladesh A in South Africa.

Jaker, 28, meanwhile, scored 94 in a four-day match against South Africa in Potchefstroom. His performance secured the wicketkeeper-batter a Test recall for the first time since July last year, with Amit Hasan left out.

With Taskin rested, Bangladesh’s pace attack comprises Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam and Khaled Ahmed. Taijul Islam and Mehedi Hasan Miraz will lead the spin department.

Soumya Sarkar, who returned to the Test squad after a lengthy absence, has also retained his place. The top-order batter, who had been out of Test cricket since February 2021, was included in the squad for the Australia tour and will feature against Afghanistan as well.

Meanwhile, six cricketers participating in the Asian Games will join the Test squad after the cricket event concludes on 3 October. To facilitate the preparation match, Nayeem Hasan, Iqbal Hossain Emon and Musfik Hasan will travel to the UAE earlier and remain on the reserves list.

Bangladesh will play one preparation match before the Test against Afghanistan.

Bangladesh Test squad

Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Shadman Islam, Soumya Sarkar, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vice-captain), Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain and Shoriful Islam.