Rangana Herath to join Bangladesh Test squad as spin consultant for New Zealand tour

Former Sri Lanka cricketer Rangana Herath is all set to join Bangladesh Test squad as the spin consultant for the team’s upcoming tour to New Zealand. He had previously signed a contract with the team for the T20 World Cup 2021 and wasn’t a part of the coaching staff for the Test series against Pakistan.

Akram Khan, Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) cricket operations chief, came forward to inform about the same. He also reckoned that the management is trying to sign a long time contract with Herath but as of now, he will join the team for the New Zealand tour.

“He (Herath) is going to New Zealand and he will be a part of the team management during the two-match Test series. We are trying to sign a long-term contract with him, but for now, he is available for the tour of New Zealand,” said BCB’s cricket operations chief as quoted by Cricbuzz.

The two countries are scheduled to play two Test matches, starting from January 1. The first Test match between Bangladesh and New Zealand is scheduled to be played at the Bay Oval in Tauranga, whereas the second Test is set to start from January 9. The visitors are expected to get a few two-day practice games in the host nation owing to the quarantine relaxation there.

Shakib Al Hasan to miss the New Zealand tour

The BCB cricket operations chief also informed about Shakib Al Hasan’s replacement for the marquee series. The board had previously granted leave to the all-rounder after he had informed them about his unavailability for the tour citing family commitments.

Uncapped Fazle Mahmud Rabbi has been included in the 18-member squad for the upcoming tour as Shakib Al Hasan’s replacement. He had produced some impressive performances in the recently concluded National Cricket League – the country’s traditional first-class competition. He chipped in 603 runs in 11 innings at a healthy average of 60.30.

Informing about the same, the BCB’s cricket operations chief said, “Fazle Mahmud will be part of the Test squad as Shakib’s replacement and we have decided to include him as he is among the runs in the domestic circuit.”