Taskin Ahmed Returns as Bangladesh Name Squad for West Indies Test

Bangladesh have named a 15-member squad for the first Test against West Indies, and the big headline is a pace boost. Taskin Ahmed is back, Litton Das returns from injury, and a couple of familiar names miss out. Here is everything you need to know before the Mirpur showdown begins on October 28.

Taskin Ahmed Returns to Lead the Pace Charge

Right-arm pacer Taskin Ahmed has been recalled for the opening Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. He was rested for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi earlier this month, a match that ended in a draw.

His return gives Bangladesh a sharper attack heading into the home series. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead the side across the two-match contest.

Khaled Ahmed Makes Way

Taskin takes the place of Khaled Ahmed in the squad. Khaled has been left out after the previous Test assignment against Afghanistan.

Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain and Hasan Mahmud all retain their places. Together with Taskin, that gives Bangladesh four fast bowlers to choose from in Mirpur.

Nahid Rana Still Sidelined

There is no change on the injury front for Nahid Rana. The young fast bowler remains unavailable as he recovers from a side strain, and his absence leaves the team without one of its promising pace options for the opener.

It also raises the stakes for the four pacers who did make the cut. Every one of them will want to make an early impression on home soil.

Litton Das Back From Injury

Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das has been declared fit after missing the recent tri-nation white-ball series in the United Arab Emirates with a hip injury. His return adds experience both behind the stumps and in the batting order.

Jaker Ali also keeps his place in the squad. He offers another option in the middle order and as a wicketkeeping back-up.

Soumya Sarkar Loses His Place

Soumya Sarkar is the notable name to drop out of the group. His absence is one of the main talking points of the selection, and it signals that the team management is leaning on settled options for the home series.

Key Squad Changes at a Glance

What the Selection Means for the Series

Bangladesh are set to play at home with a pace-heavy look and a returning gloveman who brings steadiness to the top of the order. The selectors have clearly prioritised fitness and experience.

The Afghanistan Test ended in a draw, so there is a push to turn solid performances into wins. The two-match series against West Indies offers a chance to do exactly that and collect valuable points in the World Test Championship cycle.

Key Takeaways

• Taskin Ahmed replaces Khaled Ahmed in the 15-member squad.
• Litton Das is fit again after missing the UAE tri-series with a hip injury.
• Nahid Rana remains out while recovering from injury.
• Soumya Sarkar has been left out of the group.
• The first Test starts October 28 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

All eyes now turn to Mirpur, where a refreshed Bangladesh attack will look to set the tone from day one.