Bangladesh have chosen preservation over firepower for their one-off Test against Afghanistan in the UAE, resting spearhead Taskin Ahmed and handing fresh opportunity to in-form batters Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board confirmed a 15-man squad for the match, to be played from October 9 to 13, with Najmul Hossain Shanto leading a group that blends familiar names with a couple of timely recalls.
Taskin held back for bigger battles
Taskin’s omission is no form-based axe. It is a calculated move.
BCB chief selector Habibul Bashar made it clear the management wants their premier quick fully primed for the more demanding assignments in the World Test Championship.
“We have decided to give rest to Taskin from this Test match. As we are prioritizing the Test Championship so we are looking forward to getting his full service during the Test series against West Indies,” Bashar said, outlining the longer view.
Taskin could still turn out in the ODI series against West Indies to keep his rhythm, with Bashar noting the pacer is already deep into his Test workload.
For a side that has often leaned heavily on Taskin’s bursts with the new ball, resting him for a solitary Test underlines how seriously Bangladesh are treating the upcoming home WTC clashes.
Hridoy rides 350-run wave into Test frame
If Taskin steps aside, Hridoy storms in.
The right-hander’s selection barely needed debate after his extraordinary unbeaten 350 for Bangladesh A against South Africa A in Potchefstroom. That innings, a statement in both stamina and skill, has propelled him into the Test squad just weeks later.
Hridoy’s elevation adds fresh energy to a middle order already featuring Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, and Litton Kumer Das. It also signals a willingness to reward sheer weight of runs, regardless of hierarchy.
Jaker back after near-miss and A-team form
Jaker Ali’s route back has been more winding.
He was initially drafted into the Test squad for the Australia series when Litton Das looked doubtful for the tour, only to be squeezed out once Litton recovered in time. This time, there is no late twist. Jaker returns on merit.
He struck 94 in the same Potchefstroom game where Hridoy stole the headlines, a knock that reminded selectors of his temperament in longer-format conditions. His last Test appearance came in July 2025 against Sri Lanka in Galle; now he has a fresh chance to press his case.
“We have replaced Amite Hasan with Jaker Ali taking his form into consideration,” Bashar said, confirming wicketkeeper-batter Amite Hasan’s exclusion after his earlier opportunities.
Rana managed carefully for WTC home stretch
While Taskin rests, another quick continues to bide his time.
Nahid Rana remains in rehabilitation as he recovers from the Grade 2 side strain that has sidelined him since July. The medical and coaching staff are refusing to rush him, mindful of the heavy load looming on home soil.
“Rana will be available from October 10. We have four important WTC matches at home ahead of us, so we want to keep him ready for the two-match Test series against the West Indies and England,” Bashar explained.
Those four home Tests sit at the heart of Bangladesh’s current WTC campaign. Every selection call now seems to echo that bigger picture.
Shanto’s group set for UAE test
The squad itself carries a familiar spine. Shanto captains a batting unit featuring Tanzid Hasan, Shadman Islam, Soumya Sarkar, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumer Das, Hridoy and Jaker Ali Anik.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam front the spin options, while Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury and Shoriful Islam shoulder the pace duties in Taskin’s absence.
Bangladesh Test squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Tanzid Hasan, Shadman Islam, Soumya Sarkar, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumer Das, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Shoriful Islam.
One Test in the UAE against Afghanistan will not define a cycle. But it will reveal something important: can Bangladesh manage transition, form, and fitness smartly enough now to arrive at those West Indies and England series with a squad not just available, but ready to dominate?
