Bangladesh have named a 16-member squad for their two-match ICC World Test Championship series against South Africa, handing uncapped batter Mahfijul Islam a maiden call-up as the selectors look ahead to the tour starting next week.

The squad is largely unchanged from the one currently facing West Indies in Sylhet, but there are a few notable changes. Khaled Ahmed returns in place of Nayeem Hasan, opener Mohammad Naim earns a recall, Mominul Haque is back after completing his concussion protocol, and Shadman Islam misses out with the ankle injury he suffered while fielding in the ongoing second Test.

Mahfijul Islam earns maiden call-up

The headline name in the squad is Mahfijul Islam. The 22-year-old has been rewarded for a superb run in the ongoing first-class season in the National Cricket League, where he has a double century and a century across his last three games.

Overall, Mahfijul has aggregated over 1,000 runs in 19 first-class appearances at an average of 33.67, and his form in the domestic season has now earned him a place in Bangladesh's Test plans for the first time.

Naim and Khaled return, Mominul back

Opener Mohammad Naim has also earned a recall, having last featured in a Test in 2022, which was also his red-ball international debut against New Zealand.

Pacer Khaled Ahmed returns to the squad, replacing Nayeem Hasan, with the selectors keeping the expected pace-friendly South African conditions in mind.

Mominul Haque returns after missing the second Test against West Indies because of the mandatory seven-day concussion protocol, having suffered a head injury in the first match.

Shadman Islam ruled out

Shadman Islam misses out, having suffered a freak ankle injury while fielding during the ongoing second Test against the West Indies. The opener was stretchered off the field and has been ruled out of the remainder of the match.

His absence opens the door for Naim, who will be hoping to add to the solitary Test he played on debut against New Zealand four years ago.

Bangladesh squad for South Africa

  • Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Tanzid Hasan, Naim Sheikh, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Mahfijul Islam

Series schedule and the bigger picture

The first Test starts in Johannesburg on 15 November, with the second Test in Centurion from 23 to 27 November.

Bangladesh are currently fifth in the World Test Championship standings, 1-0 down in the series against West Indies and facing a chase of 369 in the final innings in Sylhet. They will need to regroup quickly after that series before flying out for a tough assignment in South Africa.

South Africa, who announced their squad earlier, sit second in the standings with a points percentage of 71.43. Anrich Nortje returns to their squad after being sidelined by a groin injury, while batters Tony de Zorzi and Zubayr Hamza are also back. Lungi Ngidi was not considered for selection as he continues his rehabilitation. The last time these two sides met on South African soil, the Proteas secured a 2-0 series win.

FAQs

When does the Bangladesh vs South Africa Test series start?

The first Test begins in Johannesburg on 15 November, and the second Test runs from 23 to 27 November in Centurion.

Who is Mahfijul Islam?

A 22-year-old uncapped batter who has scored over 1,000 first-class runs at an average of 33.67, including a double century and a century in his last three National Cricket League games.

Why is Shadman Islam not in the squad?

Shadman suffered a freak ankle injury while fielding in the second Test against West Indies in Sylhet. He was stretchered off the field and ruled out of the remainder of that match.

Who captains Bangladesh in South Africa?

Najmul Hossain Shanto continues as captain.

Conclusion

Mahfijul Islam's maiden call-up is the story of this squad, but the tour will also be a test of Bangladesh's depth. With Shadman Islam injured and a pace-friendly South African summer ahead, the recalls of Naim and Khaled Ahmed show the selectors are planning for the conditions. The first ball in Johannesburg on 15 November will show whether the new faces can make the step up.

Also on CricVic: Towhid Hridoy's record 242* lifts Bangladesh to first-innings lead in Sylhet

Source: ICC — Uncapped batter named in Bangladesh's WTC27 squad for Proteas