For the first Test match against South Africa, which is scheduled to start on October 21 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will be replaced by the uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad.
Since his debut in 2021, Murad has taken 136 wickets in 30 first-class games. According to reports, Shakib will not play in the Test match against South Africa because of concerns about his personal safety.
In first-class cricket, Hasan Murad has consistently performed well: Ashraf Hossain Gazi
Gazi Ashraf Hossain, the chairman of the BCB’s national selection panel, spoke out against Shakib’s exclusion from the team. He also discussed why Bangladesh is relying on Murad for the series against South Africa and his steady first-class performances.
“Shakib is not available for the first Test, according to the information we have received. Even though his Test career is coming to an end, Hossain was reported as stating, “We still don’t have someone of that calibre with both bat and ball to replace him.”
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“Hasan Murad, on the other hand, has been in our system and has regularly performed in first-class cricket. Our bowling will be more balanced with him, especially at home. We are certain that he can perform at this level,” he continued.
Bangladesh squad for first South Africa Test
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumer Das (WK), Zaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad