BAN vs SL: Bangladesh name uncapped Rana for first Test, Litton Das returns

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka on the same day after winning the third and final ODI of the three-game ODI series to register just their 11th victory in the 56 ODIs they have played against the Lankans, this one being an extra special one though, since the four-wicket win meant a 2-1 series victory against Sri Lanka.

There have been a total of three changes made from their previous Test series against New Zealand which was played last year.

Amongst these, a maiden Test call-up has been awarded to pace sensation Nahid Rana, who has surprisingly been in and around the domestic circuit for only three years. However, it is noteworthy to point out the success he has experienced, with him already picking up 63 wickets in the 26 innings he has bowled in, at an impressive average of 21.92.

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Musfik Hasan, another uncapped bowler, has been added to the squad as well, with his numbers reading 55 first-class scalps at an average of 21.16. The 21-year-old was called-up against Afghanistan last year, but didn't get a spot to feature in the playing XI for the one-off Test for the Tigers. 

Arguably the biggest inclusion is that of Litton Das, who like Musfik, wasn't included in the Test series against the Kiwis. The seasoned campaigner, who led Bangladesh in their previous Test outing against Afghanistan the previous year, decided to opt out of the series to spend time with his family. This, in turn, will provide Litton with an opportunity to rediscover his batting form following a rough patch in the white-ball formats against Sri Lanka recently. 

The three exclusions from the squad are that of wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan, pacer Hasan Mahmud, and left-arm spinner Hasan Murad, all of whom were a part of the setup for the Tests against New Zealand in November, 2023.

Also Read: Bangladesh's Mushfiqur Rahim imitates Angelo Mathews' time out ordeal after series win

The first Test commences on March 22 in Sylhet

The scheduled two-match Test series against the Lankans is slated to commence on March 22, with the venue for the match being the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The second Test is scheduled for March 30, which will take place at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. The Test series will be the last leg of the multi-format series with the visitors winning the T20I series and the hosts tasting success in the ODI format.

Bangladesh squad for first Test against Sri Lanka: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Zakir Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Litton Kumer Das, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Mushfik Hasan, Nahid Rana