Bangladesh has made just one change to the squad that won 2-0 against Pakistan. Uncapped batter Jaker Ali will replace fast bowler Shoriful Islam, who is out due to injury.
Jaker Ali Steps In for India Tour
Jaker Ali, who averages 41.47 in first-class cricket, was brought in after Shoriful Islam suffered a groin injury during the first Test against Pakistan and missed the second match. Bangladesh’s pace attack for the upcoming India tour will include Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, and Khaled Ahmed, as Shoriful continues his recovery.
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Jaker Ali’s International Experience
Though Jaker has yet to play in Test matches or ODIs, he has represented Bangladesh in 17 T20Is since his debut at the 2023 Asian Games. He has played 49 first-class matches and has four centuries to his name.
According to selector Hannan Sarkar, Shoriful’s injury led to the decision to include Jaker, considering the conditions in India. “Shoriful isn’t fully fit to bowl the required 15-20 overs in Tests, so we didn’t want to risk him,” Sarkar said, noting that Shoriful remains an essential player for Bangladesh’s white-ball team, with a T20 series against India coming up.
Jaker’s Recent Performance Earns Him a Spot
Jaker’s recent form, including a standout 174-run innings against Pakistan A, helped secure his selection over Shahadat Hossain, who has been a key middle-order batter in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan or Mushfiqur Rahim.
“We selected Jaker as a middle-order batter, keeping in mind the conditions and opponents. We took five pacers to Pakistan, but this time, we are taking four to India,” Sarkar explained. He also added that while Shahadat (Dipu) didn’t perform poorly, his recent form was not as strong as Jaker’s, and he is now preparing for the National Cricket League (NCL).
Mahmudul Hasan Joy Returns to the Squad
Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who missed the Pakistan Tests due to a minor groin injury, retains his place in the squad. However, Shadman Islam’s excellent performance in the first Test in Rawalpindi could keep him in the opening spot alongside Zakir Hasan.
Bangladesh vs India
The first Test against India will begin on September 19 in Chennai, followed by the second Test starting on September 27 in Kanpur. Both matches are part of the ongoing World Test Championship, with India currently leading the points table and Bangladesh in fourth place.
Bangladesh Test Squad for India Tour
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain)
- Shadman Islam
- Zakir Hasan
- Mominul Haque
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Litton Das
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Jaker Ali
- Taskin Ahmed
- Hasan Mahmud
- Nahid Rana
- Taijul Islam
- Mahmudul Hasan Joy
- Nayeem Hasan
- Khaled Ahmed
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