Dhaka, Sep 12: After sweeping the two-match Test series against formidable Pakistan 2-0 in Rawalpindi recently, rejuvenated and regrouped Bangladesh, have proved their mettle in the multi-day red-ball game.
Buoyed by their historic feat against Pakistan, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Co have already announced that they are eager to repeat their heroics against India as well in the upcoming two-match Test series.
However, they have to tour India without their experienced fast bowler Shoriful Islam, who has been ruled out of the 16-membr team due to an injury.
As expected, Shanto has been retained as the captain of the side named by the Bangladesh Cricket Board on Thursday.
Shoriful has been replaced by middle order batsman Jaker Ali. His inclusion is expected to bolster their middle order to withstand India's relentless and experienced bowling attack.
Veterans Litton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim are likely to lead the batting line-up. Not only as good batters, but they both are experienced wicket-keepers in the Bangladesh squad. Rahim however, does not keep these days, unless there is an emergency.
Shakib Al Hasan, one of the best all-format allrounders in contemporary world cricket, is likely to be a vital cog in their scheme of things.
Emerging Bangladesh star Mehidy Hasan Miraz is expected to be one of the key players for his side. Besides outfoxing the batters with his guile, he can contribute handy runs lower down the order. He has been a consistent performer for his side in both red-ball and white-ball games.
Pacer Nahid Rana, who troubled Pakistan batting mainstay Babar Azam in the recent two match series is likely to be a key performer too. In Shoriful's absence, Taskin Ahmed is likely to lead the pace attack, with support from Nahid and Hasan Mahmud.
Bangladesh Test Squad:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Litton Das (wicket-keeper), Mominul Haque, Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Jaker Ali and Mahmudul Hasan Joy.
The first Test will start on September 19 in Chennai, which will be followed by the second match in Kanpur from September 27. The Test series will be followed by a three-game T20I series.
