Bangladesh Announce Squad for Sylhet Test

Still reeling from their heavy defeat against the Caribbean side in the Mirpur Test, Bangladesh have already begun preparing their strategy for the Sylhet Test. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a 15-member squad on Saturday for the final match of the two-Test series against the West Indies, with the only notable change being the inclusion of promising young wicketkeeper-batter Amit Hasan in place of experienced Mominul Haque.

The absence of the experienced top-order batter is due to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) mandatory health and safety protocols. Mominul sustained a blow to the head while fielding during the West Indies’ first innings at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Following an assessment by the medical team, he was diagnosed with a concussion, prompting Bangladesh to bring in Jaker Ali Anik as a concussion substitute for the second innings. According to the regulations, any player suffering from such an injury must undergo a mandatory rest period of at least one week. As Mominul’s concussion substitution was activated on October 30, he was not eligible to take the field in the Sylhet Test, which is scheduled to begin on November 5.

The experienced batter’s physical setback has opened up a new opportunity for Amit Hasan. The young batter, who is now awaiting his second appearance in international Test cricket, made his red-ball debut for Bangladesh against Zimbabwe in Harare in June 2024. He scored 29 runs across both innings in that match. Backed by his recent performances in domestic cricket and the confidence of the team management, Amit will now have the opportunity to prove his worth on home soil.

Bangladesh currently trail the series 0-1 after suffering a disappointing eight-wicket defeat against the visitors in the opening Test, largely due to a poor batting performance. With the aim of levelling the series, the Tigers will head into the Sylhet Test with renewed determination.

Bangladesh squad for the Sylhet Test: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Shadman Islam, Amit Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Nayeem Hasan.