Uncapped Mahmudul Hasan, Rejaur Rahman in Bangladesh squad for first Pakistan Test

Top-order batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy and fast bowler Rejaur Rahman Raja have got their maiden call-ups to the side after remarkable performances in the National Cricket League.

Joy made consecutive centuries for his team Chattogram Division in the tournament, scoring 345 runs at 57.69 and Raja picked up 12 wickets at 16.91 for Sylhet Division.

Bangladesh will be without the experienced Tamim Iqbal, who has been ruled out of the series with a fractured thumb and while Shakib Al Hasan has been named, his participation will depend on a fitness assessment. Shakib had injured his hamstring during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 last month.

"It is still early days for him but Mahmudul has showed good temperament for the longer version," said Minhajul Abedin, Chairman of the National Selection Panel. "He is also an in-form batsman. With injury concerns to Taskin (Ahmed) and Shoriful (Islam), we needed to keep our pace bowling options open and Raja got the nod.

We have been monitoring his performances in first-class competitions. He is strong and energetic and has a knack for taking wickets."

"There is a fair bit of experience if you consider that Mominul (Haque), Mushfiqur (Rahim), Shakib, Taijul (Islam) and Miraz (Mehidy Hasan) are all part of the squad.

We will obviously have to wait to see if Shakib makes it for the first Test but these players have been the most consistent performers for us in Tests and their presence can make a difference."

The first Test will be played in Chattogram from 26 November.

**Squad for first Test:**Mominul Haque (c), Shadman Islam, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Nurul Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Ebadat Hossain, Abu Jayed, Yasir Ali, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Shakib Al Hasan (subject to fitness)