Bangladesh names squad for Test series against New Zealand

After what has been a terrible ODI series for Bangladesh, the focus now shifts from Mashrafe Mortaza to Mushfiqur Rahim who is still the leader of the side in the absence of the latter. The side also sees many recalled and axed from the side as the all-whites seem to lord over the Bangladesh players once again.

This will also be the first time Bangladesh will play a Test match since their impressive win over England in the subcontinent earlier this year. Mehedi Hasan Miraz, the emerging bowler, and sensation has been one of those who has been retained on the back of his incredible performance in the series against England.

Rubel Hossain has also made his way back into the grand scheme of things in recent times after serving his ban along with Taskin Ahmed who also has seemingly corrected what was deemed to be an illegal bowling action.

Shuvagata Hom misses out on selection while there remain to be three players in the side that are still awaiting their debuts. These players include Taskin Ahmed, wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan, and Subhasis Roy.

The bigger surprise comes in the form of Mustafizur Rahman. The 21-year old left-arm pacer has been rested for the first Test match against the Kiwis in Wellington following a minor injury to his hamstring. Mustafizur also missed the three T20 internationals against the Kiwis succeeding the New Zealand series.

The Test series will be to a magnitude of two matches. The first match will be played in Wellington before both sides move to Christchurch for the second Test. The first Test begins on the 12th of January.

Bangladesh squad: Mushfiqur Rahim (Captain), Tamim Iqbal (Vice Captain), Imrul Kayes, Mominul Hoque, Shabbir Rahaman, Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Soumya Sarker, Taskin Ahmed, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shubhasis Roy