Mahmud called up to replace Shakib in Bangladesh squad for New Zealand tour

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hassan accepted Shakib Al Hasan's official request to opt-out of the tour of New Zealand. Bangladesh have chosen a like-for-like replacement for Shakib in Fazle Mahmud, who is a top-order batter and a left-arm spinner.

The 34-year-old has a wealth of experience in the Bangladesh first-class circuit, having played 94 matches since making his debut in 2004. He has scored 5353 runs at an average of 34.75 and has also picked up 32 wickets.

He has previously represented the Tigers in ODIs back in 2018 when Zimbabwe toured Bangladesh, though the outings were not too memorable as he registered ducks in both the games.

The two-match Test series will be played under the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 where Bangladesh are currently at the bottom of the table with zero points after Pakistan clean swept them at home. New Zealand are placed a spot above Bangladesh, thanks to a draw in Kanpur against India that fetched them four points.

The first Test will commence on New Year's day at Mount Maunganui before the action moves to Christchurch for the second Test on 9 January.

Squad: Mominul Haque (c), Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Fazle Mahmud, Liton Das (wk), Nurul Hasan (wk), Yasir Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Abu Jayed, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Shohidul Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mohammad Naim