Bangladesh Announce Squad for India Tests

Bangladesh has made a single adjustment to their Test squad for the upcoming tour of India, following their historic 2-0 series victory in Pakistan. Uncapped batter Jaker Ali has been brought in to replace fast bowler Shoriful Islam, who is recovering from a groyne injury sustained during the first Test in Pakistan and missed the second match as a result.

In Shoriful’s absence, Bangladesh's pace attack will be led by Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, and Khaled Ahmed.

Jaker Ali, who is yet to debut in both Tests and ODIs, has played 17 T20Is since his international debut during the 2023 Asian Games. The 25-year-old has an impressive first-class record, scoring four centuries in 49 matches with an average of 41.47. His recent performance, including a standout innings of 174 against Pakistan A, solidified his selection.

Selector Hannan Sarkar explained that Shoriful’s injury was the reason for his exclusion, emphasising that the fast bowler isn’t fully fit to handle the demands of Test cricket. Sarkar also mentioned that Jaker’s inclusion is strategic, considering the batting-friendly conditions in India. He reassured that Shoriful remains a key player for Bangladesh's white-ball squad, with a T20 series against India coming up soon.

"Shoriful isn't fit enough to bowl the 15-20 overs required in Test matches," Sarkar noted. "We didn’t want to risk him, especially since he missed the second Test in Pakistan. He's an important part of our white-ball team, and he’s currently under the care of our physios and trainers."

Sarkar also highlighted Jaker’s recent form and his ability to perform in longer formats, which made him a better option over Shahadat Hossain. Although Shahadat had been a reliable middle-order batter for Bangladesh, recent assessments of his form, especially in four-day matches in Australia and Pakistan, led to Jaker's inclusion. Sarkar stated that while Shahadat remains part of Bangladesh’s future plans, his lack of rhythm made it difficult to select him for this series.

Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who missed the Pakistan series due to a groyne injury, has retained his spot in the squad. However, opener Shadman Islam, who impressed in the first Test against Pakistan, is likely to keep his place at the top of the order alongside Zakir Hasan.

The two-Test series between Bangladesh and India begins on September 19 in Chennai, with the second Test starting on September 27 in Kanpur. Both matches are part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, where India currently holds the top position, while Bangladesh is ranked fourth.

Bangladesh squad for India Tests:  

Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Taijul Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Nayeem Hasan, Khaled Ahmed.