After a one-year hiatus, star all-around player Shakib Al Hasan has returned to the longer version format. Bangladesh has unveiled their team for the second and final Test match against Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to begin in Chattogram on March 30.
Shakib has not played for the national team since the World Cup match in India last year against Sri Lanka, when he hit a game-winning 82 and claimed two wickets. However, he suffered a fracture to his left index finger, which prevented him from playing in the team’s final showcase match against Australia.
Shakib’s eye problem also emerged in the World Cup event and he was forced to miss Bangladesh series against New Zealand at home and away.
He was then left out of the T20 and ODI squad and also the squad of the first Test of Bangladesh for Sri Lanka series as his eye was not deemed okay. However, according to the team management, he is now okay with his eye and played some Dhaka Premier League matches without any trouble.
The elite all-rounder’s final Test match was against Ireland in Mirpur on April 2023. Shakib’s participation means that batsman Towhid Hridoy, who was included in the 15-man team for the opening Test, is not included.
Pacer Mushfik Hasan is also out due to a left ankle injury that will require rehabilitation. Hasan Mahmud, a fellow right-arm pacer who has played 39 white ball cricket matches for Bangladesh but has not yet appeared in a Test, will take his position. Mahmud has 16 first-class matches under his belt and 49 wickets.
Sri Lanka lead the series 1-0 after winning the first Test in Sylhet by 328 runs. The Test series is part of the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship cycle.
Bangladesh squad for 2nd Test: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Zakir Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Liton Das, Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud.
