Bangladesh Name Squad for Afghanistan Test as Hridoy and Jaker Return

Bangladesh have named a 15-member squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, with pace bowler Taskin Ahmed rested for the UAE assignment. The match is scheduled for October 9-13 as Bangladesh continue their World Test Championship campaign.

Taskin Ahmed rested ahead of Afghanistan Test

Taskin was omitted as Bangladesh manage their pace-bowling resources ahead of a demanding stretch of Test cricket. His absence will give the remaining fast bowlers the opportunity to assume greater responsibility during the five-day contest.

Wicketkeeper-batter Amite Hasan has also been left out. Bangladesh have instead recalled Jaker Ali Anik and Towhid Hridoy, both of whom have impressed in recent red-ball cricket.

Hridoy’s recall follows his remarkable unbeaten 350 for Bangladesh A against South Africa A in Potchefstroom. His addition provides further batting depth to a side captained by Najmul Hossain Shanto, while Jaker also earned his place through a strong performance against the same opposition.

Jaker Ali handed another Test chance

Jaker made 94 against South Africa A in Potchefstroom, falling just short of a century but strengthening his claim for a return to the national side. The wicketkeeper-batter’s last Test appearance came against Sri Lanka in Galle in July 2025.

Jaker was initially selected for Bangladesh’s Australia tour when Litton Das’ participation was uncertain, but eventually made way after Litton recovered and became available. His latest recall offers him another opportunity to establish himself in the team’s longer-format plans.

Hridoy’s unbeaten 350 has likewise reinforced his case for a place in the Test squad, although the upcoming match against Afghanistan will present a new challenge at international level.

Nahid Rana continues side-strain rehabilitation

Bangladesh will also continue monitoring Nahid Rana, who has been rehabilitating from a Grade 2 side strain. The fast bowler has been unavailable since July and will not feature in the squad for the Afghanistan Test.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board wants Rana to regain full fitness before the team’s demanding home schedule. Bangladesh are set to host four Test matches in the current World Test Championship cycle, including fixtures against the West Indies and England.

Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan, pacer Musfik Hasan and Under-19 fast bowler Iqbal Hossain Emon will travel with the squad as reserves. The 15-player squad is led by Shanto and includes Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, along with returning batters Hridoy and Jaker.

Bangladesh squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Tanzid Hasan, Shadman Islam, Soumya Sarkar, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumer Das, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Shoriful Islam

Source link