October 17, 2024: Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan has been included in the squad for the upcoming Test series against South Africa, marking what will be his final appearance in Test cricket.
The announcement, confirmed by selector Hannan Sarkar, follows the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (PCB) approval of Shakib’s request to play his farewell Test at home.
Sarkar mentioned, “Shakib expressed his desire to play his final Test at home. This involved government and BCB considerations. Once the BCB gave us the green light, we included him in the squad. We are proud to see our legend retire at the home of cricket.”
Shakib, one of the greatest cricketers in Bangladesh’s history, is one of four spin-bowling options in the squad, along with Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Nayeem Hasan. The rest of the squad remains similar to those fielded in recent tours of Pakistan and India. Khaled Ahmed, a fast bowler who played in Kanpur but only bowled four overs, is a notable omission.
The team’s opening pair of Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan remains consistent, with Mahmudul Hasan Joy serving as a backup opener. Mominul Haque and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto are expected to continue at No. 3 and 4, with Mominul having scored a century in the No. 3 spot recently. Shakib, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, and Mehidy form a strong middle-order lineup.
In terms of the bowling attack, Taijul is expected to feature as a key spinner on home soil. Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud are likely to lead the pace attack, though Nahid Rana’s speed remains a possible option. The fast-bowling contingent is set for a key role despite the spin-friendly conditions.
The two-Test series against South Africa begins in Mirpur on October 21, with the second Test to be played in Chattogram starting October 29. The series marks the debut of interim coach Phil Simmons, who took charge following the dismissal of Chandika Hathurusingha for disciplinary reasons.
Currently, Bangladesh sits in seventh place in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, having secured a 2-0 series win against Pakistan but facing a 2-0 defeat in India. South Africa, on the other hand, is ranked fifth after winning their recent two-Test series 1-0 in the West Indies.
Bangladesh squad for the first Test against South Africa:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), 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.
