Explained: Why Mehidy Hasan Miraz Is Not Playing In BAN Vs SL 1st Test

Mehidy Hasan Miraz is not playing BAN vs SL 1st Test [Source: @debasissen/X]

In a major development, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat in the first Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium. In a massive blow to the Tigers, experienced all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz missed out on selection for the series opener. 

Why Have Bangladesh Excluded Miraz From Their XI For 1st Test vs SL?

Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been a crucial member of the Bangladesh cricket team across all three formats of the game. Therefore, his absence from the visitors' playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka raised a million eyebrows. 

Miraz recently enjoyed stellar success against Zimbabwe, putting up a magnificent all-round performance in the second Test in Sylhet. His prolific outing against the Chevrons also helped him bag the prestigious ICC Player of the Month award for April. 

However, as revealed by ESPNCricinfo through a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mehidy Hasan Miraz is suffering from fever, and, hence, he won't participate in the first Test against the Lankan Lions. 

Bangladesh have gone with seven batters, two spinners and two fast bowlers. While Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana will spearhead the pace battery, Nayeem Hasan and Taijul Islam will lead the spin-bowling department in Mehidy Hasan Miraz's absence. 

Meanwhile, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto will form Bangladesh's batting core with Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Jaker Ali and keeper-batter Litton Das. 

Bangladesh Playing XI For 1st Test vs Sri Lanka

Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das(w), Jaker Ali, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana

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