Mushfiqur Rahim’s absence from the Bangladesh Test squad for the upcoming series against West Indies marks a significant shift in the team’s composition. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter, who has been a mainstay of the side for over a decade, has been ruled out due to a finger injury.
Mushfiqur’s injury means that Bangladesh will field a Test team without any of its “big three” for the first time in 16 years. Shakib Al Hasan retired from the format in September, while Tamim Iqbal has not played a Test since last year.
The absence of these experienced players places a heavy burden on the shoulders of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. However, Shanto will have a strong pace attack at his disposal, including Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, and Nahid Rana.
Uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad has been added to the spin department, which also includes vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam.
In the batting department, Bangladesh have kept faith in their regular top-order batters Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, and Zakir Hasan. Shanto and Mominul Haque will bat at No. 3 and 4 respectively.
Mushfiqur’s role could fall on Jaker Ali or Mahidul Islam Ankon, with Litton Das back with the gloves and likely to bat at No. 7.
Bangladesh will start the tour with a four-day warm-up game at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, followed by the first Test in Antigua from November 22. The second Test is in Jamaica, starting November 30. The visitors will then play three ODIs and as many T20Is, but their white-ball squad hasn’t been announced yet.
