In the forthcoming one-off Test match against Afghanistan, Litton Das has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Bangladesh cricket team. On Sunday, the Bangladesh Cricket Board unveiled a 15-member squad that featured two uncapped players, Shahadat Hossain, and Mushfik Hasan.
Following Shakib al Hasan’s finger injury during the Ireland tour, which rendered him unable to participate in the series, Litton fills the void as the 12th Test captain of the country.
BCB Chief Selector Minhajul Abedin expressed confidence in Litton’s leadership abilities, stating that he possesses all the necessary qualifications for the role and it is a significant honor for him. Having previously captained Bangladesh’s ODI squad against India in December last year, Litton’s appointment as Test captain offers an opportunity to observe his leadership skills, despite having limited experience in leading at the domestic level.
Minhajul also highlighted that the inclusion of Shahadat Hossain Dipu from Chattogram Division and Mushfik Hasan from Rangpur Division had always been on their radar. Both players had been part of the Under-19 level and the High-Performance Unit, and their performances in the recent unofficial Test series against West Indies A had been promising.
Shahadat, a 21-year-old right-handed middle-order batsman, made his first-class debut in 2021 and has accumulated 1265 runs from 20 matches, including two centuries and 10 half-centuries. Mushfik, a 20-year-old fast bowler, made his debut in the 2022 first-class season and has claimed 49 wickets from 13 matches, with three five-wicket hauls.
Minhajul expressed confidence in their abilities and stated that if given the chance, both players would perform well for the team.
Furthermore, Minhajul expressed optimism about Mahmudul Hasan, who showcased his form with an unbeaten century against West Indies A in the last match of the three-match four-day series, leaving behind a lean patch.
Shadman Islam and Rezaur Rahman did not make it to the squad, while Taskin Ahmed and Zakir Hasan made their return.
Despite Taskin Ahmed recently undergoing rehabilitation for a side strain, which ruled him out of the Test series against Ireland and the three ODIs against Ireland, the pace bowler was included in the squad. Minhajul believes Taskin will recover in time for the Test match.
Additionally, the BCB appointed Allan Brown as a mind trainer for a two-week period, and he commenced his activities on Sunday by holding meetings with a couple of players.
The squad for the one-off Test match against Afghanistan includes Litton Kumer Das (Captain), Tamim Iqbal, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, and Mushfik Hasan.