Photo Credit: Instagram Photo of @shaki_b75
The selection of Shakib Al Hasan in the Bangladesh Test squad for the first match against South Africa confirms his return to the country for the first time since May. Reports indicate that Shakib will arrive in Dhaka on Thursday, giving him three days to prepare for his final Test match.
Shakib announced his retirement in Kanpur on September 26, expressing a desire to end his Test career at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. However, he had previously voiced concerns about his safety upon returning to Bangladesh, citing the arrests of several Awami League leaders since August 5, when the government effectively resigned after 15 years in power. Shakib, who served as a member of parliament from Magura, was one of 147 individuals named in a FIR related to an alleged murder during the unrest.
While the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) indicated it could not guarantee Shakib’s safety, the interim government assured him that he was unlikely to face arrest. Sports adviser Asif Mahmud suggested that Shakib would benefit from addressing the student protests, which he did by posting an apology on Facebook last week.
Selector Hannan Sarkar stated that Shakib was included in the squad only after receiving clearance from the BCB. “Shakib had expressed his desire to play his final Test at home. We also know that this was a government issue and a BCB issue. We sought the BCB’s clearance, and when they gave us the green signal that Shakib is available for selection, we picked him. We are proud to see our legend retiring from the home of cricket.”
Shakib is one of four spin-bowling options in the squad, alongside Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Nayeem Hasan. Most players from the recent tours to Pakistan and India are included, except for fast bowler Khaled Ahmed, who bowled only four overs in Kanpur.
Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan are expected to open in all four Tests, with Mahmudul Hasan Joy as a backup. Mominul Haque and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto are likely to retain the No. 3 and No. 4 spots, respectively, after Mominul scored a century batting at No. 3. Shakib, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, and Mehidy will round out a strong Bangladesh batting lineup. Taijul is typically favored for home Tests over a third seamer, with Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud as the likely first-choice bowlers, although Nahid Rana’s pace might be an enticing option.
Bangladesh will host South Africa for two Tests, starting in Mirpur on October 21 and continuing in Chattogram on October 29. This series marks the first assignment for interim coach Phil Simmons, who joined the squad on Wednesday after the BCB dismissed Chandika Hathurusinghe for disciplinary reasons.
Currently, Bangladesh sits seventh on the World Test Championship points table, following a 2-0 series win in Pakistan and a 2-0 defeat in India. South Africa ranks fifth in the WTC standings, having recently won a two-Test series against the West Indies 1-0 in August.
Bangladesh Squad:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
