Victory Returns in Ireland Series: Shanto to Lead Bangladesh in Test Squad Announcement

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Ireland. Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy has returned to the side, while veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim stands on the brink of a historic milestone — his 100th Test appearance for Bangladesh, which he is set to achieve in the second Test against Ireland.

Joy has earned his place back in the national side following impressive performances in the National Cricket League (NCL). Representing Chattogram Division, he scored 127 and 51 in two innings against Rajshahi. Although he had lost his form recently, the right-handed batter — who scored Bangladesh’s first Test century against South Africa in 2022 — made a strong comeback through consistent performances in domestic cricket.

Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue to lead the Test side. Despite stepping down from captaincy after the Sri Lanka series, the BCB has reinstated him in the role. The board has confirmed that Shanto will lead the Test team until the end of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle, which runs through 2027.

For Mushfiqur Rahim, this series brings the opportunity to create history. If he plays both Tests against Ireland, he will become the first Bangladeshi cricketer to play 100 Test matches.

The squad features a balanced combination of four pacers and three spinners. The pace attack includes Ebadot Hossain, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, and Khaled Ahmed, while the spin department consists of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, and the young Hasan Murad.

The first Test is scheduled to begin on November 11 in Sylhet, followed by the second Test in Dhaka on November 19. Notably, the series will not be a part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle.

Bangladesh Test Squad:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Zakir Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Hasan Murad.