In a recent announcement, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) revealed the composition of its senior men’s team for the forthcoming Test match against Sri Lanka. The team’s 15-man roster includes the return of former captain and wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das, who had opted out of the previous Test series due to personal reasons.
While it might have appeared that Litton’s absence from the third ODI game against Sri Lanka was a precursor to a longer omission, his inclusion in the Test squad reaffirms his standing within the team’s red-ball setup. Since his international debut in 2015, Litton has accrued significant experience, featuring in 39 Tests, and amassing 2394 runs at an average of 36.27, including three centuries. However, of late, his form has been a cause for concern as he seeks to find consistency at the crease.
The impending Test series marks a milestone for Najmul Shanto, who has been entrusted with the captaincy, succeeding Litton across all formats of the game earlier this year. In a notable move, Nurul Hasan, who donned the wicketkeeper’s gloves for Bangladesh against New Zealand towards the end of last year, has been left out of the squad.
BCB has extended the opportunity for two new fast bowlers, Nahid Rana and Mushfik Hasan, who will be donning the national team jersey in Test cricket for the first time. Abdur Razzak, a BCC national selector, described Rana as a “very exciting prospect,” citing Rana’s speed and ability to generate steep bounce.
Rana’s first-class performance has not gone unnoticed and, along with Hasan, has been called up as Bangladesh confronts the absence of Ebadot Hossain and Taskin Ahmed from the bowling lineup due to injury and break from Test cricket, respectively.
The Bangladesh team is set to engage with their rivals in a two-Test series beginning at the Sylhet International Stadium on March 22. The squad shows an eclectic mix of seasoned campaigners and new entrants eager to make their mark. Included in the lineup are Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Zakir Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Litton Kumer Das, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Mushfik Hasan, and Nahid Rana.
The BCB’s selection is a strategic blend, with an eye on future prospects while maintaining a core of veteran players. The anticipation around the Test series is palpable as Bangladesh aims to establish its foothold against a competitive Sri Lankan team.
As the team gears up for the series, fans and cricket enthusiasts will closely monitor the performances of both seasoned players hoping for a resurgence in form and emerging talents seeking to cement their place on the international stage. The return of Litton Das, coupled with the inclusion of fresh talent, has already sparked conversations and speculation about the team dynamics and strategies Bangladesh may employ to secure victory at home against Sri Lanka.
