Mahmudullah dropped, Mushfiqur back for Zim Test

Middle-order batsman Mahmudullah Riyad has been dropped as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) today announced a 16-member squad for the lone Test against Zimbabwe, which will start on 22 February in Dhaka. 

The squad has four changes from the team that had toured Pakistan earlier this month for the Test match in Rawalpindi. The players left out are: Mahmudullah, Soumya Sarker, Rubel Hossain and Al-Amin Hossain. 

Mushfiqur Rahim, the most experienced player in the side, returned to the side after opting out of the Test against Pakistan. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz has also made a comeback after recovering from an injury while there are recalls for left-arm paceman Mustafizur Rahman and speedster Taskin Ahmed. 

Batsman Yasir Ali Chowdhury and fast bowler Hasan Mahmud have been included in the Test squad for the first time.

Chairman of BCB National Selection Panel Minhajul Abedin said: "I believe we have selected the best possible Test squad under present circumstances. There is a very nice blend of experience and potential.

"It is unfortunate that some players had to miss out but our priority has been to ensure balance and continuity. We felt that Mahmudullah needed a break from the red ball. Al-Amin has niggles and that's why we thought he should be given the time to be fully ready for the limited overs matches where he is more important. Rubel is not part of our red ball plans for the moment. Soumya had applied for a leave and therefore has not been considered."

"We think Hasan Mahmud and Yasir Ali Chowdhury have tremendous potential and they are very much part of our future plans."

SQUAD

Mominul Haque (C), Tamim Iqbal, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Litton Das, Taijul Islam, Abu Jayed Chowdhury, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadat Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Yasir ali