Mushfiqur Rahim has been left out of Bangladesh's 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies, as announced by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Sunday. Najmul Hossain Shanto, after discussions with the BCB president, agreed to take on the captaincy for the series, despite previously expressing a desire to step down following the South Africa Tests.
The squad sees the return of Jaker Ali, Taskin Ahmed, and Shoriful Islam, with the series set to kick off on December 22, followed by the second Test on December 30. Mushfiqur’s absence stems from a finger injury sustained during the opening ODI against the West Indies, which had already sidelined him for two ODIs.
BCB’s exclusion of Shakib Al Hasan suggests that his Test career might be nearing its end, following his absence in the farewell home Test against South Africa. Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan and fast bowler Khaled Ahmed were also omitted from the squad.
Bangladesh Squad for West Indies Tests:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain)
- Shadman Islam
- Mahmudul Hasan Joy
- Zakir Hasan
- Mominul Haque
- Mahidul Islam
- Litton Das (WK)
- Jaker Ali
- Mehidy Hasan (Vice Captain)
- Taijul Islam
- Shoriful Islam
- Taskin Ahmed
- Hasan Mahmud
- Nahid Rana
- Hasan Murad