'Not going to risk Taskin in first Test, backing Nurul as keeper' - Russell Domingo ahead of Chattogram Test against India

Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo has revealed some interesting choices that are to be made in the line-up for the upcoming first Test against India. The two-match Test series starts on December 14 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram and Bangladesh will not have the services of the experienced Tamim Iqbal for the first Test.  

With the injury to Tamim, Bangladesh are likely to open with Mahmudul Hasan Joy at one end and are set to present an opportunity to Zakir Hasan who is yet to make his Test debut. Domingo heaped praises on the youngster and was excited to see how he goes about his business in the Test arena. 

“We have been very excited by him (Zakir). He has good energy. I know he has done well domestically; he has played a T20I for Bangladesh. I like the way he looks to score when he bats. A little Tamim-like in the way he bats. Nice and positive. Hopefully, he can get off to a good, quick start tomorrow," Russell Domingo told as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.   

I am backing Sohan as a keeper in the Test side: Russell Domingo

Meanwhile, Taskin Ahmed picked up an injury right ahead of the ODI series and was rested for the first two games. He did play the third ODI, however, did not look like he returned to his full fitness and has been ruled out of first Test. Speaking on Taskin, Domingo revealed that risking the former in tough conditions for bowlers might not be ideal. 

"We are not going to risk Taskin in the first Test. He has come off a layoff and a few injections. To get him to bowl for a day-and-a-half in these conditions in Chattogram may not be good for him.” Domingo told. 

Nurul Hasan, who was benched for the entire ODI series is set to start in the playing XI and Domingo confirmed the impact he has had so far in the longest format. 

"(Nurul Hasan) Sohan was fantastic in the West Indies. He has the right character. Good keeper. Gives us a good competitive edge behind the stumps. Very vocal. Thoroughly deserves his place. I am backing Sohan as a keeper in the Test side. He is the one batter averaging 40 in the Test side; he has done well," he added.