The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the squad for the first Test against South Africa, scheduled to begin on October 21 in Mirpur. The match marks a significant milestone as Bangladesh’s legendary all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will bid farewell to Test cricket after this game.

From the squad that played against India in the last series, fast bowler Khaled Ahmed has been dropped, while left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam, who missed the India series due to injury, has not been included either. Bangladesh have opted for three pace bowlers—Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Nahid Rana—for the upcoming Test. The spin department remains strong with the inclusion of specialist spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, and Nayeem Hasan.

In the batting lineup, Bangladesh has retained its familiar core of players. Zakir Hasan, Sadman Islam, and Mahmudul Hasan Joy will be the openers, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead a middle-order comprising Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, and the retiring Shakib Al Hasan. Litton Das also remains a key figure in the squad, while Jaker Ali Anik, who was in the squad during the India series but did not get a chance to play, will continue his wait for a Test debut.

The first Test will be played in Mirpur starting on October 21, followed by the second Test in Chattogram on October 29. This series will also be part of the ICC Test Championship’s third cycle.

Bangladesh squad for the first Test against South Africa: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, and Hasan Mahmud.