Mushfiqur Rahim returns for Bangladesh’s one-off Test against Zimbabwe

Mushfiqur Rahim has been picked for Bangladesh’s only Test against Zimbabwe, starting Saturday, February 22 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Dhaka. Mushfiqur hasn’t donned the national jersey after the Tigers’ two-match Test series in India as the veteran pulled out of the Pakistan tour. Rahim didn’t play the three T20Is and the opening Test in Rawalpindi.

For the Zimbabwe Test, the notable omission was that of Mahmudullah Riyad, who hasn’t had the greatest times for Bangladesh after the 2019 World Cup. Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed have also made their comebacks in the squads. Taskin has been a part of the Tigers’ squad since his show in the 2019 edition of the BPL, but somehow hasn’t been able to break into the eleven.

Hasan Mahmud gets maiden Test call-up

Mustafizur, on the other hand, hasn’t played Bangladesh’s last three Tests after his poor show post the World Cup. Soumya Sarkar won’t be able to take part as he would be getting married later this month. Hasan Mahmud, who shone for the Dhaka Platoon in the BPL, also got his maiden Test call-up. The speedster was also a part of the Pakistan T20Is, but he couldn’t get a single game.

The BCB has persisted with left-handed batsman Mominul Haque as the Test skipper despite his indifferent shows of late. Bangladesh are yet to open their account in the World Test Championship, having lost all their three matches against India and then Pakistan. It’s also the Tigers first Test on home conditions after their defeat against Afghanistan in September 2019.

Right-handed batsman Yasir Ali Chowdhury also found his way into the squad. Najmul Hossain Shanto showed grit and resilience in the Rawalpindi Test and he has been rewarded. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan are the specialist spinners in the lineup. Liton Das and Mohammad Mithun for a strong middle-order. Ebadot Hossain and Abu Jayed Rahi are the other players in the squad.

Here is Bangladesh’s squad

Mominul Haque (C), Tamim Iqbal, Saif Hassan, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Liton Das, Taijul Islam, Abu Jayed Rahi, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Yasir Ali Chowdhury