Mahmudullah last played Test cricket in March
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Bangladesh have recalled all-rounder Mahmudullah for the two-Test series against South Africa later this month.
Mahmudullah’s inclusion in the squad is the result of fellow all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan being given a break from the longest format.
“As there is no Shakib we opted for him [Mahmudullah],” chief selector Minhajul Abedin was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. “We considered Mahmudullah as we feel that he can play well on bouncy wickets where the ball comes to the bat at a quick pace. We have taken a spinner [Taijul Islam] in place of Shakib as initially we preferred to have five-man pace unit along with Shakib and Mehidy [Hasan].”
Shakib had asked to step away from Test cricket for six months, but the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) only allowed him to miss the Test series against the Proteas.
Minhajul admitted that Shakib would be missed as he has been the country’s premier all-rounder for numerous years.
“I respect his decision but of course it is very hard to replace him,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Minhajul as saying. “We have to take into account his mental state because as a player I understand what he may be going through physically and mentally.”
However, Minhajul is hoping that Shakib will change his mind and return for the second Test in Bloemfontein.
“We have not considered Shakib Al Hasan in the two-match Test series against South Africa as the board approved his appeal for a break. But he can join if he is comfortable,” Minhajul said. “He did not get rest for a long time so he needed a break.
“It is difficult to form the squad when the best player is not around. His name comes to the mind first when we form a team. It (his absence) is difficult but at the same time we have to understand his mental state and as a former player I know if you are not mentally fit it is difficult to perform your best.
“We have given him rest for two-match Test series but we are hopeful that he can join after the first Test match.”
Meanwhile, the pace duo of Subhasis Roy and Rubel Hossain have been added to the side as conditions in South Africa are likely to favour seamers rather than spinners.
Batsmen Soumya Sarkar and Imrul Kayes managed to retain their spots in the squad despite averaging 16.25 and 5.25 respectively.
It has also been confirmed that all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain will be sent to Bangkok as his eye infection has not improved.
The Test series will begin on September 28 in Potchefstroom, while the second Test will get underway on October 6.
Bangladesh’s Test Squad: Mushfiqur Rahim (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Sabbir Rahman, Mahmudullah, Liton Das, Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Subashis Roy, Mominul Haque