BAN vs SL | Shakib, Shoriful make comebacks; BCB announce squad for 1st Test

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a 16-member Test squad as they are all set to welcome Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series. The series will kickstart on May 15, with the first Test match scheduled at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.

The Test series is of utmost importance for both nations as it forms a part of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23. 

Sri Lanka have a Point Percentage (PCT) of 50 per cent with two wins and as many losses to their name. They are occupying fifth place in the WTC points table. 

Bangladesh, on the other hand, are languishing at the bottom of the points table just above England. They have a percentage of 16.66 from one win and five losses. 

Coming to the Tigers Test squad, BCB have made significant changes in the team following a 0-2 loss against South Africa last month. The opening batter Shadman Islam and seamer Abu Jayed Rahi bore the brunt of the loss as they have been dropped. Meanwhile, Taskin Ahmed has been ruled out due to his ongoing shoulder injury.

One of the Test squad highlights is the comeback of renowned all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. Shakib forms the backbone of the Bangladesh Test line-up, and his presence will give much-needed strength to the team. 

The ace all-rounder last played the longest format of the game in December against Pakistan. He skipped the New Zealand tour due to personal reasons while leaving the South Africa tour in the middle due to some family emergency. 

Another notable inclusion in the team is Shoriful Islam. Though the fast bowler has been named for the tour, he will have to pass a fitness test before joining the rest of the team for the two-match series. 

Bangladesh: Mominul Haque (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Liton Das, Yasir Ali, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Nurul Hasan, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Shohidul Islam, Shoriful Islam (subject to fitness).