Mushfiqur Rahim Named In Bangladesh Squad For One-off Test Against Zimbabwe

Bangladesh’s first-choice wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim has returned to the national team ahead of their One-off Test match against Zimbabwe, the selectors announced on Sunday. He had earlier missed Bangladesh’s Test match with Pakistan citing personal reasons.

The 32-year-old has been named in the squad, which will face Zimbabwe, in a One-off Test starting from February 22. Alongside Rahim, Bangladeshi pacers Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed have also been included in the 16-man squad named by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

While former skipper Mahmudullah missed out on the team, there are some fresh faces in the squad, with the likes of Hasan Mahmud and Yasir Ali in line for their maiden Test caps.

Mushfiqur Rahim makes the cut for Bangladesh’s Test Squad:

Bangladesh chief selector Minhajul Abedin spoke to the media after naming the 16-man Test squad for their next assignment at home against Zimbabwe, which includes three ODIs as well as two T20Is.

“I believe we have selected the best possible Test squad under present circumstances. There is a very nice blend of experience and potential,” Abedin was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. “It is unfortunate that some players had to miss out but our priority has been to ensure balance and continuity.”

He further added, “We felt that Mahmudullah needed a break from the red ball. Al-Amin has niggles and that’s why we thought he should be given the time to be fully ready for the limited-overs matches where he is more important. Rubel is not part of our red ball plans for the moment. Soumya had applied for a leave and therefore has not been considered. We think Hasan Mahmud and Yasir Ali Chowdhury have tremendous potential and they are very much part of our future plans.”

Here is Bangladesh’s 16 man squad test squad:

Mominul Haque (c), Tamim Iqbal, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Liton Das, Taijul Islam, Abu Jayed, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadat Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Yasir Ali.

The Bangla Tigers recently played a Test match against Pakistan, which they surrendered by an innings and 44 runs. They were later criticized due to their approach towards batting after that loss and will hope to put up a better show versus Zimbabwe at home.