Soumya in squad for NZ Tests

Soumya Sarkar has been included in the Test squad as Bangladesh sweat on the injuries of Mohammad Mithun and wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim.

While Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Mohammad Saifuddin and Shafiul Islam were already on their way to Bangladesh, having boarded a 12:00 PM (NZ Time) flight, Soumya was kept in New Zealand as Mithun and Mushfiqur Rahim both sustained injuries. Mithun, who was not included in the Test squad but became a viable option due to Shakib Al Hasan's injury troubles, is expected to recover from the hamstring injury he sustained during the second ODI as he was forced to sit out the third and final ODI at Dunedin.

Mushfiqur battled through the pain of a broken rib to play the third ODI -- much in the same manner that he did during the Asia Cup. He will see a doctor today to assess his finger injury. Bangladesh are still hoping for Test captain Shakib Al Hasan to return for the Test series after he was ruled out of the ODI series with a finger injury sustained in the Bangladesh Premier League final.

Soumya had last played for the Tigers' Test outfit in the home series against the West Indies. Taijul Islam, Abu Jayed Rahi, Khaled Ahmed and skipper Shakib Al Hasan are expected to join the squad in New Zealand for the Test series which starts from February 28.