Bangladesh will play the two-match Test series against Black Caps, which is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2021-23, where the ‘Tigers’ are currently at the bottom of the table with zero points after their recent 2-0 loss against Pakistan at home.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has included uncapped Fazle Mahmud to replace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan in the Test squad. Notably, Shakib, who was initially named in the outfit, has been ruled out of the New Zealand tour after BCB President Nazmul Hassan approved the former’s leave request.
Like Shakib, Mahmud is also a left-handed batter who bowls left-arm spin. Mahmud was the highest run-getter in Bangladesh’s first-class competition this season, scoring 603 runs at an average of 60.30.
Speaking about Bangladesh’s upcoming tour, the two-match series opener is set to be played in Mount Maunganui from January 1 to 5. Similarly, the second and final Test will take place in Christchurch from January 9 to 13.
Not to mention, when Bangladesh toured New Zealand in 2021, the visiting side lost all six matches, featuring three ODIs and as many T20Is. When it comes to their last Test tour in 2019, it was abandoned midway following the Christchurch attack on the eve of the third Test.
Here is Bangladesh’s revised squad for the New Zealand Tests:
Mominul Haque (c), Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Fazle Mahmud, Liton Das (wk), Nurul Hasan (wk), Yasir Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Abu Jayed, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Shohidul Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mohammad Naim.
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.