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The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have announced a squad for the upcoming two-match away Test series against South Africa, with opener Naim Sheikh returning to the side after a lengthy absence and Mahfizul Islam Robin earning his maiden Test call-up.
The 27-year-old Naim has been recalled largely due to Sadman Islam’s injury. Sadman, who sustained an injury during the Sylhet Test against the West Indies, is set to miss the remainder of the year.
Naim, who has previously played one Test, impressed in the National Cricket League (NCL), scoring three centuries and a half-century. His standout performance was an unbeaten-looking 282-run innings, which included a double century.
Meanwhile, 22-year-old right-handed batter Robin also made a strong impression in the NCL, scoring a double century, along with innings of 116 and 100. He also registered two half-centuries to earn his maiden call-up.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy was also under consideration but will miss the South Africa tour due to injury. Joy had previously scored a century in South Africa.
Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam has retained his place in the squad, while off-spinner Naim Hasan, who featured in the Dhaka and Sylhet Tests, has been dropped. Wicketkeeper-batter Zakir Ali Anik has also retained his place.
Fast bowler Nahid Rana has been ruled out of the tour due to injury. Taskin Ahmed will lead the pace attack alongside Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury and Syed Khaled Ahmed.
Following the conclusion of the Sylhet Test on Sunday, the Bangladesh team will fly to South Africa. The first Test against the reigning world champions will begin in Johannesburg on November 15, with the second and final match scheduled to start in Centurion on November 23.
In the ICC World Test Championship standings, New Zealand currently lead the table, followed by South Africa in second place. Australia and India are third and fourth respectively, while Bangladesh occupy fifth position.
Bangladesh squad:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Naim Sheikh, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Zakir Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Khaled Ahmed and Mahfizul Islam Robin.
