Shakib Al Hasan back as Bangladesh Test skipper after six years

If ever the history of Bangladesh cricket has to be scripted, Shakib Al Hasan will have a page or two specially devoted to him. The all-rounder has been a significant part of the team ever since making his debut at the highest level. He played a very crucial role in many of their triumphs. He is regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders of the game and the greatest Bangladesh ever produced. Shakib was also the leader of the pack in the past.

However, in 2011, he was sacked as the captain of the national side following their dismal performance on a tour of Zimbabwe. His deputy, Tamim Iqbal was also sacked from the vice-captain role. Shakib was accused of some behavioral issues and was also banned for six-months back then.

Back to the position where he belongs

After close to six years, Shakib is back at the helm as the skipper of Bangladesh Test squad. Starting from the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, he will don the captains’ hat. Mahmudullah will take over the vice-captaincy from Tamim Iqbal. Shakib takes over from Mushfiqur Rahim who had replaced him in 2011. Earlier, Mushfiqur resigned as the Test captain citing additional burden on his game.

The left-handed all-rounder was earlier captain of the national side from July 2009 to August 2011, which saw him lead in nine Tests. In his 9-match captaincy stint, Bangladesh won only one Test and lost nine of them. BCB President, Nazmul Hassan said that Shakib will lead the side in Two Tests against Sri Lanka. However, Nazmul didn’t confirm his tenure as the skipper. Shakib is also the captain of Bangladesh’s T20I side.

“We can’t really talk about the exact reason for changing the captaincy. We now want Mushfiqur to focus on his batting and remain pressure-free,” Nazmul said. Mushfiqur captained Bangladesh in 34 Tests, winning seven, losing 18 and drawing nine of them.

Also, Bangladesh U-19 sensation, Naeem Hasan received his maiden call-up to the Test squad. He was brilliant for the team in the U-19 World Cup and also backs some good first-class experience. Mosaddek Hossain also makes a return from injury, while Somya Sarkar has been dropped. Bangladesh will play a two-match T20I series once the Test series comes to an end.

Squad: Shakib al Hasan (c), Mahmudullah, Litton Das (wk), Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque, Mosaddek Hossain, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Kamrul Islam, Mehidy Hasan, Rubel Hossain, Naeem Hasan.

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