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Bangladesh batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy along with speedster Rejaur Rahman earned maiden call-ups to the national Test squad for the first match against Pakistan set to commence on November 26. It was also conveyed that the team management is waiting for Shakib Al Hasan's fitness assessment based on which his place in the squad will be decided. A hamstring injury had ruled him out of the latter part of the T20 World Cup.
In addition, Tamim Iqbal has not been named in the Test series as a thumb injury continues to keep him out of the game. The left-handed batter had sustained this injury during an Everest Premier League match in October. Meanwhile, it should be remembered that Mahmudullah, who was part of the Bangladesh Test squad in Harare, had already announced his retirement from the longest format and has thus not been considered for selection.
We needed to keep our pace-bowling options open: Chief selector
"It is still early days for him but Mahmudul has showed good temperament for the longer version," chief selector Minhajul Abedin stated as per an official release.
"He is also an in-form batsman. With injury concerns to Taskin (Ahmed) and Shoriful (Islam), we needed to keep our pace-bowling options open and Raja got the nod. We have been monitoring his performances in first-class competitions. He is strong and energetic and has a knack for taking wickets," he added.
Abedin also stated that the Bangla Tigers would rely on captain Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim, especially if veteran all-rounder Shakib fails to clear the fitness Test.
"There is a fair bit of experience if you consider that Mominul (Haque), Mushfiqur (Rahim), Shakib, Taijul (Islam) and Miraz (Mehidy Hasan) are all part of the squad," he said.
"We will obviously have to wait to see if Shakib makes it for the first Test but these players have been the most consistent performers for us in Tests and their presence can make a difference," he further stated.
Bangladesh squad for first Test against Pakistan: Mominul Haque (c), Shadman Islam, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Nurul Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Ebadat Hossain, Abu Jayed, Yasir Ali, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Shakib Al Hasan (subject to fitness)