Taskin Ahmed has been called back to the Bangladesh squad for the opening Test against West Indies, set to take place in Dhaka on 28 October. Taskin’s return comes after he was rested for the recent Test draw against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. He steps in for Khaled Ahmed in the squad.
Soumya Sarkar has been left out of the 15-man squad. Despite being included in past squads that faced Australia and Afghanistan, Soumya hasn’t played a Test since February 2021. He also didn’t feature in the recent game against Afghanistan.
The selectors have brought in Litton Das, who was sidelined from the UAE ODI tri-series due to a hip injury. Bangladesh didn’t reach the finals in that series. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who missed the first match in the UAE because of a viral fever but recovered for the second game, also retains his place.
Under the captaincy of Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh has opted for three specialist spinners: Mehidy, Taijul Islam, and Nayeem Hasan. The pace lineup includes Taskin, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, and Hasan Mahmud, while Nahid Rana remains unavailable as he continues to recover from a side strain.
The type of pitch prepared at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, known for varying conditions, will be a key focus. The venue’s last Test against Pakistan in May saw Bangladesh secure a victory on a competitive pitch that extended to the fifth day. Mehidy and Rana were instrumental with five-wicket hauls in that game.
The batting order remains largely unchanged, still providing opportunities for Towhid Hridoy, fresh off a first-class triple hundred in South Africa, alongside Jaker Ali. Hridoy was included against Afghanistan but didn’t play. Jaker’s last Test was played in June 2025.
The second Test against West Indies is scheduled to be held in Sylhet, starting on 5 November.
Bangladesh Squad for First Test Against West Indies:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Taskin Ahmed, Jaker Ali, Litton Das (wicketkeeper), Mominul Haque, Tanzid Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Tawhid Hridoy, Shadman Islam, Shoriful Islam, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nayeem Hasan.
