Bangladesh have named uncapped opening batter Mahfijul Islam in their Test squad for the two-match series against the Proteas in South Africa. Batter Mohammad Naim also returns to the Test side after four years away.
The series starts in Johannesburg on November 15. The second Test will be played in Centurion from November 23.
“I believe he has proven himself; he looked very promising in first-class cricket and in the emerging team matches,” Bashar said after announcing the squad, according to IOL.
Both batters have been among the top run-scorers in the National Cricket League, the first-class competition now under way in Bangladesh. Mahfijul has scored 672 runs in 10 innings. His runs include three centuries and a double hundred.
Naim has scored 612 runs in seven innings. He has made a double century and two other hundreds in the competition.
Bashar said Bangladesh wanted a right-handed opener. He said the team had been looking for one for some time and wanted to give Mahfijul more time to prepare.
He said the selectors first had another opener in mind, Mahmudul Hasan Joy. This caused a short delay in naming the squad. Joy was then ruled out for medical reasons.
Both players already know South African conditions. Naim toured the country earlier this year with the Bangladesh A team for unofficial Tests and one-day matches. Mahfijul travelled with the Bangladesh emerging team to play South Africa’s emerging side.
“We sent Naim to South Africa (for the A series), where he looked very good. He has been batting exceptionally well in first-class cricket recently,” Bashar said.
Naim has played only one Test. It came against New Zealand in 2022. He comes in because opener Shadman Islam hurt his ankle during the second Test against West Indies, which Bangladesh are playing at home.
Star fast bowler Nahid Rana is missing again. He is still recovering from a labrum tear. Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan and wicketkeeper-batter Amite Hasan were also left out, although both are in the squad for the West Indies series.
Fast bowler Khaled Ahmed has been recalled. Mominul Haque, who missed the second West Indies Test with a concussion, has also been picked for the tour.
Najmul Hossain Shanto will captain the side, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz as vice-captain. The squad also includes Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik and Taijul Islam.
The pace bowlers are Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain and Khaled Ahmed.
After the two Tests, Bangladesh and South Africa will play three one-day internationals and three T20 internationals.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.