Bangladesh announce squad for the first South Africa Test
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the squad for their first of the two ICC World Test Championship (WTC) matches against South Africa.
The side will be led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, with wicket-keeper batter Zaker Ali Anik making it to the Test squad for the first time.
A part of the current ICC World Test Championship cycle, the first Test begins in Dhaka on 21 October while the second Test will start on 29 October in Chattogram. The home side are currently ranked seventh, while South Africa are placed fifth in the WTC25 standings.
Najmul Hossain Shanto's fine knock from Men's T20WC 2022
Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumar Das (wk), Zaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana
In August this year, Bangladesh earned themselves a historic Test series win away from home, subjecting hosts Pakistan to a 2-0 clean sweep. However, this was followed by a disappointing loss to India away from home.
Phil Simmons was recently appointed as the head coach of the side, replacing Sri Lanka's Chandika Hathurusinghe. His tenure is set to run till the Champions Trophy 2025.
Following the two Tests, Bangladesh will depart for the UAE for a three-ODI series against Afghanistan.