Mahfijul Islam Gets Maiden Bangladesh Test Call-Up as Mohammad Naim Returns for South Africa Tour

Bangladesh have sprung a selection surprise. Uncapped opener Mahfijul Islam has been handed a maiden Test call-up for the two-match tour of South Africa, while Mohammad Naim returns after more than four years away. A prolific domestic season has opened the door for one, and an injury has opened it for the other.

Mahfijul Islam Rewarded for a Monster Domestic Season

Mahfijul has been in outstanding form in the ongoing 28th National Cricket League. Playing for Mymensingh, he has piled up 672 runs in 10 innings at an average of 74.67.

That haul includes an unbeaten 217 against Chattogram, a knock that made the selectors take notice. The numbers made a strong case for a debut in the longest format.

Why the Selectors Backed Him

Chief selector Habibul Bashar said the team needed a right-handed opener for a considerable period. Mahfijul’s showing for the A team in South Africa in August also left a strong impression.

“Robin seemed ready to us because he played well in the South Africa series. He went with the A team, and he performed reasonably well. And now, looking at his batting, it seems he is very, very organized,” Bashar said.

Naim Back After Four Years, Shadman Out Injured

Mohammad Naim earns a recall after a gap of over four years. His only Test came against New Zealand at Christchurch in 2022, and he has not been considered for the format since.

His return comes because regular opener Shadman Islam has been ruled out of the tour. Shadman sustained an ankle injury during the ongoing Sylhet Test against West Indies.

The Joy Factor

Bashar revealed that the squad announcement was delayed because the selectors had another opener in mind. Mahmudul Hasan Joy was in the reckoning but was ruled out on medical grounds the previous afternoon.

“We actually wanted to give Robin a little more time to get ready. So I think he proved himself. We saw him in first-class, we saw him play for the A team, where he looked very promising,” Bashar said.

Bashar also felt the timing was right to groom a right-handed opener, calling this “the best time” to do it.

Other Changes in the 16-Member Squad

Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan, part of the ongoing West Indies series, has failed to retain his place. Pacer Khaled Ahmed has been recalled to add to the seam options.

Veteran batter Mominul Haque is also back. He missed the second Test against West Indies after suffering a concussion in the series opener. Pacer Nahid Rana continues to miss out as he recovers from a labrum tear.

Bangladesh Test Squad for South Africa

• Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain)
• Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vice-captain)
• Tanzid Hasan Tamim
• Mohammad Naim
• Mominul Haque
• Mushfiqur Rahim
• Litton Das
• Towhid Hridoy
• Jaker Ali Anik
• Taijul Islam
• Taskin Ahmed
• Hasan Mahmud
• Shoriful Islam
• Ebadot Hossain
• Khaled Ahmed
• Mahfijul Islam

Tour Schedule and What Comes Next

Bangladesh will leave for South Africa on November 10 and 11. The first Test begins in Johannesburg on November 15, with the second in Centurion from November 23.

The Test series will be followed by three ODIs and three T20Is.

A Big Challenge Awaits

Facing the new ball in South African conditions is among the toughest tasks in Test cricket. For Mahfijul, it would be a baptism of fire, and for Naim, a chance to make his second Test appearance count.

With a fresh opening pair likely and a mix of experience and new faces, this squad will be tested early. Bangladesh will hope the domestic form of their newest opener travels well.