Babar Azam's Rival Dropped; Bangladesh's Strongest XI For 1st Test Vs India

Bangladesh should pick a spin-heavy team for 1st Test vs India [X]Bangladesh should pick a spin-heavy team for 1st Test vs India [X]

On Thursday, the Bangladesh Cricket Board announced a robust 16-member squad for the upcoming Test series against India. Led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh will face the hosts in a two-match Test series beginning on September 19, with the first game at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. 

Both teams have even started practising for the series, considering its importance for their World Test Championship campaign. While India have picked their first-choice squad, Bangladesh will miss ace speedster Shoriful Islam due to an unfortunate injury setback. 

Although India will start as the favourites, Bangladesh's tendency to punch above their weight makes them a challenging opponent. So, as the visitors gear up for a high-voltage contest, let's see what could be their strongest playing XI for the series opener in Chennai.

Shadman, Zakir And Shanto Compose Bangladesh's Stable Top Order

The in-form batting duo of Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan forms a steady opening pair at the top, with skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto batting at number three for Bangladesh. While Shadman and Zakir can provide the visitors with a solid start, Shanto will aim at a resurgence following a disastrous Pakistan tour. 

In-Form Mushfiqur And Litton Boost Bangladesh's Middle Order

Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das showcased sublime form in Bangladesh's Test tour of Pakistan. While Rahim was Bangladesh's most successful batter, Litton exhibited nerves of steel to rescue his team from a precarious situation in the second Test. So, these two batters form Bangladesh's middle-order core alongside prominent spin-bowling all-rounders Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. 

Bangladesh's Strongest Playing XI For 1st Test Vs India

Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (WK), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Taijul Islam

Why Should Nahid Rana Make Room For Taijul Islam?

Despite having Shakib and Mehidy, Bangladesh might pick a third spinner, considering the spin-friendly conditions in Chennai. The pitch in Chennai generally offers ample assistance to the spinners. So, the Tigers might drop Nahid Rana, who troubled Babar Azam on their Pakistan tour, in order to add Taijul Islam to their playing XI. 

Taijul is a magnificent operator of the red cherry, having scalped 195 wickets in 46 Test matches. So, his inclusion shouldn't be surprising, given his experience and ability. Meanwhile, Hasan Mahmud, who registered a sensational fifer in the second Test against Pakistan, will spearhead Bangladesh's pace bowling attack alongside Taskin Ahmed.