Mahmudullah left out, Mushfiqur returns as Bangladesh name squad for Zimbabwe Test

Rahim's last Test was the pink-ball match against India in Kolkata in November last year, after which he opted out of the tour of Pakistan; Bangladesh lost 2-0 in the three-match T20I series and suffered an innings defeat in the Rawalpindi Test.

The manner of the loss has triggered quite a few changes in the line-up for the Zimbabwe clash, with the senior figure of Mahmudullah bearing the brunt of it. He scored 25 and 0 in Rawalpindi and has paid the price for his loss of form. Sarkar has been granted leave for his marriage, while Al-Amin has been rested and is expected to return for the limited-overs leg of the series.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the off-spinner, is back in the side after having recovered from an injury, while pacemen Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed have replaced Rubel and Al-Amin. The selectors also awarded the 23-year-old Yasir Ali and fast bowler Hasan Mahmud, 20, maiden Test call-ups.

“I believe we have selected the best possible Test squad under present circumstances," said Minhajul Abedin, the chairman of BCB National Selection Panel. "There is a very nice blend of experience and potential. It is unfortunate that some players had to miss out but our priority has been to ensure balance and continuity.

"We felt that Mahmudullah needed a break from the red ball. Al-Amin has niggles and that’s why we thought he should be given the time to be fully ready for the limited overs matches where he is more important. Rubel is not part of our red-ball plans for the moment. Soumya had applied for a leave and therefore has not been considered.

**Squad:**Mominul Haque (c), Tamim Iqbal, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Liton Das, Taijul Islam, Abu Jayed Chowdhury, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadat Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Yasir Ali