Bangladesh is gearing up for their upcoming Pakistan series with some key players ready to make an impact. Despite his busy schedule in franchise cricket, all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will be available for the Tests.
“Shakib is available for the Tests,” confirmed Jalal Yunus, BCB’s Head of Cricket Operations.
Shakib, currently playing in the Global T20 League in Canada, missed the preparatory sessions in Chattogram but is set to join the team either directly from Dubai or after a brief practice session in Dhaka, reports UNB.
Shakib has played in just four Tests in the last two years and questions regarding his availability for the longer format keep resurfacing ahead of any Test series.
Bangladesh have played eight Tests during this time. Shakib skipped the lone Test against Afghanistan last year and also the home series against New Zealand due to a finger injury he suffered during the 2023 ODI World Cup. He also missed the first Test against Sri Lanka before returning for the second Test which was played in Chattogram.
The team also received positive news regarding pacer Taskin Ahmed. Taskin, who withdrew from the last Test series against Sri Lanka, has shown good progress and is under consideration for the Pakistan tour.
“Taskin had an evaluation, and he’s being considered for the red-ball squad,” Yunus stated. “The selectors will make the final decision, but he is in contention.”
Meanwhile, another pacer Ebadot Hossain had been sitting on the sidelines since an ACL injury last year in July saw him miss out on both the ODI and T20I World Cups.
The board is also hopeful about the recovery of the fast bowler. Ebadot, who has been out of action due to a long-term injury, is making steady progress.
“Ebadot is still recovering but is about 70% fit,” said Yunus. “We hope he will make further improvements in the next two months. He is still undergoing rehabilitation, and we are monitoring his progress closely.”
Bangladesh will play two Tests in Pakistan on August 21 and September 30. Keeping the series in mind, six national team stars have already been named in the 'A' team's tour of Pakistan preceding the national team's Test assignment in Pakistan to play the first four-day fixture on August 10.
