Naeem Sheikh Returns to Test Squad After Four Years, Robin Earns Maiden Call-Up

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa. The selectors have introduced several surprises in the Test squad, bringing together a mix of experienced campaigners and relatively inexperienced players.

Chief selector Habibul Bashar Sumon officially announced the 15-member squad at a press conference held at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Mahfuzul Islam Robin, who has been in outstanding form in domestic cricket recently, has earned his maiden call-up to the national team. Meanwhile, left-handed batter Naeem Sheikh has returned to the Test setup after a gap of four years.

Robin and Naeem have been among the leading run-scorers in the ongoing season of the National Cricket League (NCL). Robin has amassed 672 runs in 10 innings, including a double century, making him the tournament’s leading run-scorer and earning him his maiden place in the Test squad. Naeem has also been equally impressive, scoring 612 runs in seven innings to occupy second place on the run-scoring charts and reclaim his spot in the squad.

Injured opener Shadman Islam, who was ruled out of the Sylhet Test against the West Indies, has been left out of the South Africa tour. Off-spinner Naeem Hasan has also failed to make the cut. On the other hand, Mominul Haque and Khaled Ahmed have returned to the squad to strengthen the batting lineup and pace attack respectively.

Keeping the conditions in South Africa in mind, the selectors have opted for a pace-heavy bowling attack. Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury and Khaled Ahmed will form the pace department. Meanwhile, Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the spin attack.

Bangladesh Test Squad:

Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Naeem Sheikh, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumar Das, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Khaled Ahmed and Mahfuzul Islam Robin.