Bangladesh have strengthened their squad ahead of the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia by recalling pace trio Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and Nahid Rana. The selectors have also handed an important opportunity to Towhid Hridoy, who has been included in the Test squad for the one-off match against Zimbabwe in Harare and appointed vice-captain of the T20I side under skipper Litton Das.
Bangladesh bolster T20I squad with key returns
The return of Taskin, Mustafizur and Nahid adds significant firepower to Bangladesh’s bowling unit as they prepare for a challenging series against Australia in Chattogram. The trio replace Tanzim Hasan Shakib, Ripon Mondol and Mohammad Saifuddin, who were part of the previous T20I squad against New Zealand but have now been left out.
Chief selector Habibul Bashar explained that the team management wanted to assemble its strongest available squad while also keeping player workload in mind.
“Since the T20I series against Australia is very important, we have tried to form a formidable squad and we also kept workload management in mind. As a result, we have not included Nahid Rana for the Test series,” Bashar said while announcing the squads.
Towhid Hridoy rewarded with red-ball opportunity
One of the biggest talking points from the announcement was Hridoy’s inclusion in Bangladesh’s 15-member Test squad for the Zimbabwe clash. Known primarily for his white-ball exploits, Hridoy has now earned a chance to prove himself in the longest format after impressing with his first-class performances. Backing the decision, Bashar expressed confidence in the batter’s ability to adapt to Test cricket.
He noted that although Hridoy regularly features in limited-overs cricket, his first-class record and aggressive yet controlled batting style make him a strong candidate for red-ball success. Bashar added that Hridoy has the ability to play impactful innings in any position and believes he can make the most of the opportunity if selected.
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Hridoy named T20I vice-captain as Saif Hassan steps aside
Alongside his Test call-up, Hridoy has also been entrusted with additional responsibility in the T20I setup. He will serve as vice-captain under Litton after Mohammad Saif Hassan decided to step down from the deputy role to concentrate on his own performances. The move reflects Bangladesh’s confidence in Hridoy’s leadership qualities as the team continues to build for major international assignments. Bashar also confirmed that all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz requested a break from the one-off Test against Zimbabwe and will therefore not be part of the squad for the Harare encounter.
Meanwhile, uncapped fast bowler Robiul Haque has been included in the Test squad, offering him a chance to push for an international debut. Bangladesh are expected to field an unchanged playing XI for the third ODI against Australia before shifting their focus to the T20I series and the subsequent Test assignment.
Bangladesh’s T20I squad against Australia: Litton Kumar Das (captain), Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Mohammad Saif Hassan, Shamim Hossain, Towhid Hridoy (vice-captain), Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain.
Bangladesh’s Test squad against Zimbabwe: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Tanzid Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumar Das, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Towhid Hridoy, Amite Hasan, Robiul Haque.