Bangladesh have recalled Soumya Sarkar from his Test hiatus and selected Jaker Ali and uncapped Musfik Hasan for the opening Test against Australia in Darwin. Sarkar’s most recent Test five years ago yielded scores of 0 and 13 against the West Indies. Overall, five changes were made to the squad that faced Zimbabwe earlier this month. In addition to Sarkar, Jaker and Musfik, vice‑captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and experienced fast bowler Taskin Ahmed have returned after resting during the Zimbabwe series. Bangladesh’s lineup has been weakened by injuries to Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam and Litton Das, who were key contributors in the 2‑0 Test victory over Pakistan in May.
The selectors have omitted Mahmudul Hasan Joy, despite management’s strong confidence in him over the past two years. In his latest appearance versus Zimbabwe, he contributed only 2 and 22 runs. Additionally, backup wicketkeeper Mahidul Islam, batsman Towhid Hridoy, spinner Nayeem Hasan and uncapped seamer Robiul Haque were left out of the squad.
While sidelined, Sarkar posted a first‑class average of 44.47 across 27 matches, including three centuries. However, his overall performance was not dominant, making the rationale for his recall uncertain. His ODI statistics this year are also concerning, with an average of 21.42 in seven matches and a single half‑century.
Jaker’s return is equally puzzling, as he has not batted in his sole first‑class match since his previous Test against Sri Lanka more than a year ago. He has also been absent from Bangladesh’s white‑ball squads since November, though he recently recorded a couple of fifties for Zimbabwe A.
The national selectors will convene a press conference on Monday. The team is slated to depart for Darwin on July 31 and will contest a warm‑up fixture before the first Test on August 13.
Bangladesh Squad for Opening Test vs Australia
Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Amite Hasan (wk), Jaker Ali (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vice-capt), Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Musfik Hasan
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