Shakib back in Tigers squad for 1st Test against Sri Lanka

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Sunday announced a 16-member team for the first Test against Sri Lanka, keeping Shakib Al Hasan in the squad.

The ace allrounder missed the Bangladesh’s last two Test series against New Zealand and South Africa. While he skipped the New Zealand tour, he had to return to country from South Africa after most of his family members including his two kids were hospitalized due to various illness.

The first Test is from May 15-19 at Zahur Ahmed Chowhdury Stadium while the second Test is in Dhaka Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium from May 23-27. The selectors will announce the team of the second Test later. Both of the Tests are the part of ICC World Test Championship.

Earlier Shakib, who was granted a leave from South Africa tour, returned to the fold in a dramatic decision and played a key role in helping Bangladesh win their first ever ODI win series on South African soil.

Shakib, however, last played a Test series against Pakistan at home in last year.

The BCB also kept uncapped fast bowler Rejaur Rahman Raja in the squad. The young pacer was also named in the squad for the Pakistan Test series last year but is yet to make debut.

However, there was no place for opener Shadman Islam who has been in a prolonged bad patch and pacer Abu Jayed Rahi in the squad. Team’s No. 1 fast bowler at this moment, Taskin Ahmed is still recovering from his shoulder injury.

But left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam was drafted in the squad subject to fitness after he didn’t play the Tests in South Africa due to an ankle injury.

However, there is minor injury concerns in the team with Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, both injuring themselves during their Dhaka Premier League (DPL) match in Savar. But chief selector Minhajul Abedin Nannu said that their injuries are not serious.