Fast bowler Khaled Ahmed has been dropped from Bangladesh’s squad for the first Test against South Africa next week. This marks the only change to the 16-man group that recently toured India in September and October.
Ahmed featured in only the second Test against India in Kanpur, where he bowled four overs in the first innings, conceding 43 runs without taking a wicket.
The upcoming Test series against South Africa consists of two matches, with the first set to take place in Mirpur starting October 21. This series will hold special significance as it will be the final Test of veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan’s career. The second Test will be held in Chattogram from October 29.
This series also marks the first assignment for interim coach Phil Simmons, who joined the team after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) removed Chandika Hathurusinghe from his position for disciplinary reasons.
As it stands, Bangladesh is currently seventh in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table, having secured a 2-0 win against Pakistan but suffering a 2-0 defeat against India. South Africa, on the other hand, sits fifth in the WTC standings after winning a two-Test series 1-0 in the West Indies in August.
Bangladesh Squad for the First Test Against South Africa:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain)
- Shadman Islam
- Mahmudul Hasan Joy
- Zakir Hasan
- Mominul Haque
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Litton Das
- Jaker Ali
- Mehidy Hasan
- Taijul Islam
- Nayeem Hasan
- Taskin Ahmed
- Hasan Mahmud
- Nahid Rana
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