Mustafizur called up to Bangladesh Test squad

Mustafizur Rahman's limited-overs success has given him a maiden call-up to the Bangladesh Test squad for the first game of the two-match home series against South Africa. Mahmudullah was back after recovering from a finger injury. Abul Hasan and Shuvagata Hom missed out from the squad for the only Test against India last month. The squad for the third and final ODI remains unchanged.

Mustafizur has taken 13 wickets from four ODIs at an average of 12.69, and chairman of selectors Faruque Ahmed said the 19-year old had shown what he was capable of. "Possibly he has been the brightest find for us in recent times. He has also been playing all versions of cricket this season including four-day games and we are confident that he will adjust quickly to the demands of Test cricket," Faruque said. "His inclusion means that Abul Hasan has to miss out from the squad that we had in our last Test but Mustafizur deserves his call.

"Obviously his (Mahmudullah's) return adds depth in the batting order and some vital experience. His offspin can also be effective and he can do the job that was expected of Shuvagata Hom who played against India.

"We have a reasonably settled squad and we prefer to give the young players a good run. Litton Das and Soumya Sarkar are players we have high hopes of while the likes of Imrul Kayes, Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan have been in excellent form in Test cricket. The bowling has variety in pace and spin. As we are playing at home therefore we have the luxury of picking squads Test by Test but this is the best combination we have."

Bangladesh Test squad Mushfiqur Rahim (capt), Tamim Iqbal (vice-capt), Imrul Kayes, Litton Das, Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan , Mahmudullah, Soumya Sarkar, Nasir Hossain, Taijul Islam, Jubair Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Mohammad Shahid, Mustafizur Rahman