Shakib Al Hasan's Test career over as BCB names his replacement for 1st Test vs SA

Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has made himself unavailable for the first Test of the upcoming series against South Africa at home. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has picked uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad as a replacement for Shakib Al Hasan for the upcoming Test match.

The first Test between Bangladesh and South Africa will be played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, starting on Monday, October 21. This series is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. Bangladesh is in seventh place in the WTC standings, while South Africa is at fifth.

Shakib Al Hasan Is Unavailable For The First Test - Gazi Ashraf Hossain

Gazi Ashraf Hossain, Chairman of the BCB National Selection Panel, announced that Shakib Al Hasan will not be available for the first Test against South Africa. Gazi Ashraf said that Shakib is nearing the end of his Test career and described him as an irreplaceable all-rounder in the squad.

“We have been informed that Shakib is unavailable for the first Test. He is at the end of his Test career but along with his experience, we still do not have someone of that caliber with both bat and the ball to replace him,” Gazi Ashraf Hossain said.

Shakib Al Hasan recently expressed his desire to conclude his Test career for Bangladesh at home. However, the left-arm spinner didn't travel to Bangladesh due to security concerns. He confirmed to ESPNcricinfo in a WhatsApp message that he is not going back to Bangladesh to play his farewell Test match.

The former skipper was included in an FIR involving an alleged murder during civil unrest in the country. Shakib served as a Member of Parliament for Magura. The veteran cricketer represents the Awami League, whose government was overthrown in August after unrest and student protests in the country.

Hasan Murad Has Performed Consistently - Gazi Ashraf Hossain

Gazi Ashraf praised Hasan Murad for his consistent performance in first-class cricket. He said that Murad has been part of the cricketing system for some time. Hossain believes Murad will bring balance to the bowling attack, particularly in home conditions.

“Hasan Murad has performed consistently in first-class cricket and has been in our system. He will lend balance to our bowling, especially in home conditions. We believe he has the potential to deliver at this level,” stated Gazi Ashraf Hossain.

Hasan Murad has a decent record with the ball in first-class cricket. The 23-year-old has taken136 wickets in 30 first-class matches since making his debut in 2021. Murad also made his white-ball debut for Bangladesh at the 2023 Asian Games, where he played in two T20Is.

Bangladesh Squad For The First Test

Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumer Das (WK), Zaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad

Also read: Historic low: India concede biggest first-innings lead at home against New Zealand