Bangladesh Boosted by Return of Star All-Rounder for Second Sri Lanka Test
Bangladesh’s prospects of leveling the Test series against Sri Lanka have been significantly enhanced with the return of Shakib Al Hasan to the squad for the second match, commencing on 30 March.
Shakib is making his international cricket comeback for the first time since the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in November 2023. His World Cup campaign was prematurely ended ahead of Bangladesh’s final match against Australia due to an injury to his left index finger.
Shakib Al Hasan was the player of the match, making a significant impact with the bat, ball, and as Bangladesh’s captain in the victory over Sri Lanka at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
In January of this year, Shakib was diagnosed with a retinal condition. However, the Bangladesh medical team expressed optimism about managing the condition effectively with a conservative approach.
Shakib, who last played a Test in April 2023, returns to the squad at the expense of Tawhid Hridoy, who was part of the 15-member squad for the first match but did not feature in the XI.
The Tigers have been compelled to make another change to the squad with Mushfik Hasan being ruled out due to a left ankle injury. Hasan Mahmud, who has 39 appearances in ODIs and T20Is for Bangladesh but is yet to make his Test debut, has been named as his replacement.
Bangladesh Squad for the Second Test:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Zakir Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Litton Das, Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Shahadat Hossain, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud.
With these changes, Bangladesh is hopeful of a comeback in the series following Sri Lanka’s commanding performance in the first Test.
Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis amassed runs for the visitors with a century in each innings.
ALSO READ: Sri Lanka Pair Achieve Rare Milestone in Sylhet
In stark contrast, Bangladesh’s batting faltered, failing to surpass the 200-run mark in either innings and succumbing to a heavy defeat of 328 runs.
Crucial WTC25 points are at stake in the second Test in Chattogram, with both teams currently tied at the 6th place in the standings with a point percentage of 33.33.