Shakib, Taskin back for Bangladesh in 2nd Test against Pakistan

Ace allrounder Shakib Al Hasan and fast bowler Taskin Ahmed made their way into Bangladesh’s Test squad for the second and final match of the series against Pakistan after being declared fit. Shakib though was in the squad of the first Test, failed to recover on time from his hamstring injury and subsequently was left out. Taskin also was dropped at the eleventh hour when he sustained a right hand injury during Bangladesh’s third T20 International against Pakistan. Also there was maiden call up for opening batter Naim Sheikh, who is the regular face in Bangladesh’s limited over cricket. Pakistan who won the T20 series by 3-0, took 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series after beating Bangladesh by eight wickets.

Captain Mominul Haque blamed the top order collapse in both innings for their defeat in the game in which Liton Das made century, Mushfiqur Rahim stepped up with 90 plus knock and Taijul Islam claimed seven wickets.

Bangladesh openers Shadman Islam and Saif Hasan failed to give the side an expected start, specially Saif looked utterly vulnerable against a high quality bowling attack. Bangladesh’s fast bowlers Abu Jayed Rahi and Ebadot Hossain also looked less penetrative in docile pitch and Taskin’s raw pace was missed. However no one is dropped in favour of these three players.

Bangladesh squad for second Test:

Mominul Haque (Captain), Shadman Islam,  Saif Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Yasir Ali Rabbi, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi, Nayeem Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Khaled Ahmed, Shohidul Islam, Mohammad Naim Sheikh