Bangladesh name Hasan Murad as Shakib Al Hasan’s replacement for first South Africa Test

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the inclusion of the uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad as a replacement for veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan in the squad for the first Test against South Africa, which is set to commence from October 21 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.

Murad has picked 136 wickets in 30 first-class matches after making his debut in 2021. Meanwhile, it has been reported that Shakib will not play the Test against South Africa due to personal security reasons.

Hasan Murad has performed consistently in first-class cricket: Gazi Ashraf Hossain

BCB’s national selection panel chairman Gazi Ashraf Hossain came forward and talked about the absence of Shakib in the squad. He also opened up on Murad's consistent performances at the first-class level and why Bangladesh are banking on him for the series against South Africa. 

"We have been informed that Shakib is unavailable for the first Test. He is at the end of his Test career but along with his experience, we still do not have someone of that calibre with both bat and the ball to replace him," Hossain was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. 

"However, Hasan Murad has performed consistently in first class cricket and has been in our system. He will lend balance to our bowling, especially in home conditions. We believe he has the potential to deliver at this level," he added.

Also Read: Shakib Al Hasan unlikely to feature in first Test against South Africa

Bangladesh squad for first  South Africa Test

Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumer Das (WK), Zaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad