Uncapped batter named in Bangladesh’s WTC27 squad for Proteas

Bangladesh have announced their 16-member squad for the two-match ICC World Test Championship series against South Africa. 

Uncapped batter Mahfijul Islam has earned a call-up following an impressive run of form in the ongoing first-class season in the National Cricket League, where he has a double century and a century across the last three games. 

Overall, the 22-year-old has aggregated over 1000 runs in 19 first-class appearances so far at an average of 33.67.

The squad, largely unchanged from the one currently facing West Indies, sees the return of Khaled Ahmed, replacing Nayeem Hasan in the squad owing to the expected pace-friendly South African conditions  

Opener Naim Sheikh has also earned a recall, having last featured in a Test in 2022, which was also his red-ball international debut against New Zealand.

Shadman Islam, meanwhile, misses out, having suffered a freak ankle injury while fielding during the ongoing second Test against the West Indies. The opener was stretchered off the field and has been ruled out of the remainder of the match.

Mominul Haque, however, returns after missing the second Test due to a mandatory seven-day concussion protocol, having suffered a head injury in the first match.

Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Tanzid Hasan, Naim Sheikh, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Mahfijul Islam.

Bangladesh are currently fifth in the World Test Championship standings, currently 1-0 down in the series against West Indies and facing an uphill battle chasing 369 in the final innings.

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