Hasan Murad To Replace Shakib For South Africa Test

There has been a change in the Bangladesh squad for the first Test of the series against South Africa in Mirpur starting from October 21. The left-arm spinner Hasan Murad has been called up for the first time, replacing ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.

The 23-year-old cricketer has taken 136 wickets in 30 matches in first-class cricket. He was a member of the U-19 World Cup-winning Bangladesh team. 

“We have been informed that Shakib is absent from the first Test. He is at the end of his Test career,” said BCB National Selection Panel Chairman Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu. “Apart from Shakib’s experience, we still have no one to replace him with the bat.” 

Commenting on the inclusion of Murad, who is awaiting his maiden test debut, Lipu said, “Hasan Murad has performed consistently in first-class cricket and is in the middle of our system. He will balance our bowling, especially in home conditions. We believe he has the potential to prove himself at this stage.” 

Shakib Al Hasan could not return home to play his farewell test against South Africa in Mirpur due to the last-minute drama. The BCB banned him from coming to the country in view of the changed situation due to the protests against the former captain of the Bangladesh team. The Sports Adviser also told the Tiger all-rounder not to come home. 

Bangladesh squad for the Mirpur Test: 

Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Sadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumar Das, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad.