Uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad has replaced allrounder Shakib Al Hasan in the Bangladesh squad for the first Test against South Africa which starts on 21 October in Dhaka.

The 23-year-old Murad has taken 136 wickets in 30 first class matches since his debut in 2021.

Chairman BCB National Selection Panel Gazi Ashraf Hossain said: “We have been informed that Shakib is unavailable for the first Test. He is at the end of his Test career but along with his experience, we still do not have someone of that calibre with both bat and the ball to replace him."

“However, Hasan Murad has performed consistently in first class cricket and has been in our system. He will lend balance to our bowling, especially in home conditions. We believe he has the potential to deliver at this level.” - said Gazi Ashraf Hossain.

BANGLADESH SQUAD FOR FIRST TEST
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumer Das (WK), Zaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad