Bangladesh Faces Injury Setbacks Ahead of West Indies Test Series
Bangladesh will be without two key players, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim, for their upcoming two-Test series in the West Indies. Both players have been ruled out due to injuries.
- Mushfiqur Rahim has been struggling with a finger injury, which he picked up during the first ODI against Afghanistan in Sharjah. He has also been dealing with a shoulder injury since August, following the Pakistan Test series.
- Najmul Hossain Shanto has suffered a Grade II groin strain. He got injured during the second ODI against Afghanistan and will also miss the third ODI. Doctors have recommended rest and rehab for the next two weeks.
No Shakib, Tamim, or Mushfiqur for the First Time in 16 Years
With both Shanto and Mushfiqur sidelined, Bangladesh will enter the Test series without Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, or Mushfiqur Rahim for the first time in 16 years. This is a significant change for the team as they face the West Indies.
New Captain and Squad Changes
In the absence of Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz will take over as the captain of Bangladesh’s Test team.
- Litton Das will return to the squad after missing some matches due to fever.
- Bangladesh has also dropped Khaled Ahmed and Nayeem Hasan from the squad.
- The pace attack looks strong with Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, and Nahid Rana.
The spin department includes Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, and uncapped Hasan Murad.
Bangladesh’s Top-Order and Batting Line-up
- Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, and Zakir Hasan will continue to lead the batting lineup.
- Shanto and Mominul Haque were expected to bat at No. 3 and 4, but now Jaker Ali or Mahidul Islam Ankon might take on that role.
- Litton Das will wear the gloves and likely bat at No. 7.
Bangladesh’s Tour Schedule
The team will begin their tour with a four-day warm-up game at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, followed by the first Test match on November 22 in Antigua. The second Test will take place in Jamaica starting on November 30.
After the Tests, Bangladesh will play three ODIs and three T20Is, though the squad for these formats has not been announced yet.
Bangladesh Test Squad:
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt)
- Shadman Islam
- Mahmudul Hasan Joy
- Zakir Hasan
- Mominul Haque
- Mahidul Islam Ankon
- Litton Das (wk)
- Jaker Ali
- Taijul Islam
- Shoriful Islam
- Taskin Ahmed
- Hasan Mahmud
- Nahid Rana
- Hasan Murad