Shakib Al Hasan set to play possible farewell Test in Bangladesh

Shakib Al Hasan is set to play his last Test match at home as the former Bangladesh captain has been named in the 15-member squad for the first Test of the upcoming home Test series against South Africa. 

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the 15-member squad for the first match of the two-match home Test series against South Africa. There is no addition to the Test squad, which recently toured India for a two-match Test series, but only the pacer Khaled Ahmed has been excluded.

While Mirpur will host the Test series opener from October 21, Chattogram will host the other Test, starting on October 29. 

This upcoming Test series will also be a part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, where Bangladesh are in the seventh position and South Africa are in fifth place. 

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Bangladesh never beat South Africa in Test cricket 

Bangladesh have never won against South Africa in the Test format. In 14 Tests between Bangladesh and South Africa, the Proteas won 12 games, and the other two matches ended in draw results. In Bangladesh, South Africa won four, apart from two draw results. 

Shakib Al Hasan can continue ODI career

Shakib Al Hasan recently announced his T20I retirement. While the all-rounder wished to retire from Test cricket at home, he is ready to fulfill this dream. 

While the all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is still active in the ODI format, he is likely to travel to the United Arab Emirates for a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, starting on November 6. 

Meanwhile, Phil Simmons will play the interim head coach role for Bangladesh during the forthcoming home Test series against South Africa. He has been chosen for the role in the interim base after head coach Chandika Hathurusingha’s suspension, who is also set to be terminated.   

Bangladesh's 15-member squad for the first Test against South Africa

Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Shadman lslam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (wk), Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana