Naim returns after four years as Mahfijul earns maiden Test call-up

Left-handed opener Naim Sheikh has returned to Bangladesh's Test squad after a gap of four years, while Mahfijul Islam has earned his maiden call-up for the upcoming South Africa tour.

Bangladesh announced a 16-member squad on Monday for the Test series against South Africa, with the selectors recalling Naim and rewarding Mahfijul's impressive domestic performances with his first inclusion in the national Test setup.

Naim's return offers the 27-year-old opener a long-awaited opportunity to revive his Test career. He has played just one Test for Bangladesh, making his debut against New Zealand in Christchurch in 2022.

The left-hander, however, recently featured for Bangladesh A during their tour of South Africa, where he played two unofficial Tests against South Africa A. Naim managed just 72 runs in the red-ball series, although the tour was highlighted by Towhid Hridoy's historic 350-run innings in the second unofficial Test.

Mahfijul, meanwhile, has received his first national call-up after impressing in the ongoing National Cricket League (NCL). His performances in domestic cricket have earned him a place in the squad for the challenging South Africa tour.

The squad announcement comes after regular Test opener Shadman Islam was ruled out of the South Africa tour due to an injury suffered during the second Test against the West Indies.

Towhid has also retained his place in the Test squad, while fast bowler Nahid Rana has missed out due to injury.

Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead the 16-member side, which includes experienced campaigners Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Bangladesh have named a balanced bowling attack featuring Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain and Khaled Ahmed in the pace department, while Taijul Islam and Mehidy provide the spin options.

Bangladesh Test squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Naim Sheikh, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed and Mahfijul Islam.