Uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad has been named as a replacement for allrounder Shakib Al Hasan in Bangladesh's squad for the first Test against South Africa, set to begin on October 21 in Dhaka. The 23-year-old Murad has made an impressive impact in first-class cricket, taking 136 wickets in 30 matches since his debut in 2021.

Uncapped Hasan Murad replaces Shakib Al Hasan in first Test squad

Shakib was supposed to fly back to Bangladesh to play his farewell Test. However, despite starting his journey from Los Angeles, Shakib was advised not to board the flight to Dhaka due to security concerns.

Chairman BCB National Selection Panel Gazi Ashraf Hossain said: “We have been informed that Shakib is unavailable for the first Test. He is at the end of his Test career but along with his experience, we still do not have someone of that calibre with both bat and the ball to replace him. However, Hasan Murad has performed consistently in first class cricket and has been in our system. He will lend balance to our bowling, especially in home conditions. We believe he has the potential to deliver at this level.”

Bangladesh Squad for the First Test:

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