Stage set for Shakib Al Hasan’s farewell Test as Bangladesh announce squad for first Test against South Africa

Selector Hannan Sarkar said Shakib was selected only after the BCB gave them the green light.

“Shakib had expressed his desire to play his last Test at home. We also know that this was a government issue and a BCB issue. We sought permission from the BCB, so when they gave us the green signal that Shakib is available for selection, we picked him We are proud that our legend is retiring from the home of cricket.

Shakib is one of the four spin bowlers in the squad, alongside Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nayeem Hasan. Almost everyone who was part of the recent tours to Pakistan and India also made it into this squad, except fast bowler Khaled Ahmed, who was picked to play in Kanpur but bowled only four overs.

Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan opened in all four Tests, while Mahmudul Hasan Joy has become their backup. Mominul Haque and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto could continue at numbers 3 and 4, instead of the other way around, as Mominul had a century at number 3. Shakib, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das and Mehidy complete a long batting order in Bangladesh. Taijul is usually chosen in home tests before a third seam. Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud should be the first choice, although Nahid Rana’s pace could be tempting.

Bangladesh squad for first Test against SA

Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana