UNB, Dhaka :
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Sunday announced the national squad for the first Test against visiting Zimbabwe that will begin on October 25 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur with the inclusion of uncapped teen-aged leg spinner Jubair Hossain.
Pacer Shahadat Hossain returned to the test squad after 19 months while all rounder Nasir Hossian has been dropped for his recent poor form.
Chairman of BCB National Selection Panel Faruque Ahmed said the team has been picked keeping in mind the available resources and the home condition.
“With Shohag Gazi not available due to suspension, we felt the need for a bit of variation in our bowling and that’s why Jubair is in the squad. He is a bright young prospect and if he is to play then it is always good to start at home.
“The spin bowling is always important on our pitches and apart from the leg spinner we’ve two specialist left-arm spinners and the off-breaks of Shuvagata (Hom) and Mahmud Ullah,” he added.
Faruque also said that Shahadat adds valuable experience and “we’ve been impressed by the work he has put in on his fitness and bowling during the last few months. He looks motivated and hungry.”
He added: “Nasir Hossain has missed out due to a combination of lack of form and consistency. I’m sure he will be back, but we still have depth in batting.”
The first Test squad will report for training at the SBNCS at 8:45 am today (Monday).
Bangladesh Squad for first Test: Mushfiqur Rahim (Captain), Tamim Iqbal (Vice Captain), Shakib Al Hasan, Shamsur Rahman, Mominul Hoque, Rubel Hossain, Shuvagata Hom, Mahmud Ullah, Shafiul Islam, Jubair Hossain, Shahadat Hossain, Marshall Ayub, Al-Amin Hossain and Taijul Islam.
