Bangladesh’s captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, decided to bat first in the opening Test against West Indies in their World Test Championship series held in Dhaka. This match sees notable changes in both teams’ line-ups.
A significant development is the Test debut of Joshua Bishop for West Indies. The 26-year-old left-arm spinner joins the team in place of the experienced Kemar Roach, with the pace attack led by Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph. Allrounder Justin Greaves is also included, along with fellow spinners Jomel Warrican and Roston Chase.
Unfortunate news for Bangladesh as veteran Mushfiqur Rahim misses out due to a hand injury suffered during practice. “It’s disappointing to lose someone of Mushfiqur’s calibre,” said a team spokesperson, reflecting on the veteran player missing his spot for the first time since an injury against West Indies in late 2024. Bangladesh responded with two changes, bringing in Shoriful Islam and Towhid Hridoy to cover for Mushfiqur and Ebadot Hossain.
The home team will field a trio of spinners: Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, and Nayeem Hasan. Meanwhile, their pace bowling responsibilities will be shared by Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam.
For the West Indies, Amir Jangoo has been entrusted with wicketkeeping duties in the absence of Shai Hope, who was a part of their last Test squad in August but has opted out of this tour.
Team line-ups are as follows:
– Bangladesh: Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam.
– West Indies: John Campbell, Brandon King, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kavem Hodge, Amir Jangoo (wk), Roston Chase (captain), Justin Greaves, Joshua Bishop, Shamar Joseph, Jomel Warrican, Jayden Seales.
The teams will be hoping to make a strong start as they eye crucial points in the World Test Championship standings.
