By Bangladesh have named their 15-member squad for the opening Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka, set to take place in Sylhet from March 22. The squad includes uncapped pacer Nahid Rana, while senior batter Litton Das makes a return after missing the last Test series against New Zealand. Fast bowler Mushfik Hasan, who was part of the squad for the Test series against Afghanistan, has also been included.
“Bangladesh Cricket Team’s Return to Form: Litton Das Back in Action for First Test Against Sri Lanka”
However, wicket-keeper batter Nurul Hasan and left-arm spinner Hasan Morad, along with pacer Hasan Mahmud, who were part of the squad against New Zealand, did not make the cut for the first Test against Sri Lanka.
Abdur Razzak Razzak, a member of the National Selection Panel, expressed confidence in the squad’s balance, stating, “We feel that the squad picked for the first Test has a very nice balance. Our Test side is a fairly settled one with Nahid Rana being the only newcomer. Liton (Das) is back after missing the last Test series we played as he was on leave. All the departments have backups and have been well covered. I think we have a team that can adapt to the requirements of the conditions.”
Razzak also praised Nahid Rana, calling him “a very exciting prospect” and highlighting his pace and ability to extract steep bounce. Mushfik Hasan, another young pacer in the squad, was noted as being in the right place to gain experience with Ebadot Hossain injured and Taskin Ahmed not playing Tests currently.
After the first Test in Sylhet, the series will move to Chattogram, with the second Test scheduled to begin on March 30. Both matches are part of the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship cycle.
Bangladesh squad for the first Test: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Zakir Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Litton Kumer Das, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Mushfik Hasan, Nahid Rana.
