Riyad recalled as Shakib rested for SA Tests

The 15-man squad for the Tests against South Africa has been announced by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

Bangladesh have recalled Mahmudullah Riyad to the Test squad after Shakib Al Hasan wanted a break from Test cricket.

Mominul Haque gets the nod but Nasir Hossain did not make the cut. Pacer Rubel Hossain has also been included after sitting out the home-series against Australia.

The first Test is scheduled for September 28 at Potchefstroom. The second Test will be played from October 2 at Bloemfontein. Subashish Roy, who played in the Test series against Sri Lanka makes a comeback to the Test circuit as well.

Bangladesh Squad: Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Mahmudullah Riyad, Sabbir Rahman, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Subashis Roy, Taijul Islam, Mehedi Hasan, Liton Das, Mominul Haque.

Bangladesh chief selector Minhazul Abedin was asked to comment on the inclusion of Imrul Kayes, who has scored just 21 runs in his four innings against Australia.

"South Africa is a very challenging place to play, that is why we thought we need experience and so we picked Imrul.

"Plus,the wickets in South Africa are bouncy and Imrul plays well square of the wicket. So we thought we will see him for one more series," Minhazul Abedin informed.

He also commented about Mahmudullah Riyad making his comeback and said: "In South Africa the ball comes onto the bat and Riyad plays well in those conditions. He also played brilliantly in England."