Bangladesh left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against India due to a groin injury. Initially included in the squad with hopes of recovery, Shoriful missed the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi and will now be sidelined for the India series.
In his place, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has called up uncapped middle-order batter Jaker Ali. This selection marks Jaker Ali’s maiden Test call-up, and he could make his debut in the red-ball series.
BCB Selector Hannan Sarkar explained the decision to replace a pacer with a batter, citing the batter-friendly conditions in India. Sarkar noted the board’s strategy, considering the upcoming white-ball series against India and the risk associated with Shoriful’s injury.
“Shoriful isn’t fully fit for Test cricket. Given the demands of bowling 15-20 overs, we decided not to take a risk. He missed the second Test against Pakistan due to his injury, and while he remains a key part of our white-ball team, we need him fit for the T20 series against India,” Sarkar said.
Regarding Jaker Ali’s inclusion, Sarkar stated, “We opted for Jaker Ali based on the conditions and our opponents. With five pacers previously selected for Pakistan, we are now taking four to India. Jaker’s strong performances in domestic first-class cricket, including his recent innings in Pakistan, made him a standout choice.”
Shoriful Islam is the only change from the 16-man squad that toured Pakistan. The Test series against India begins on September 19 in Chennai, with the second match scheduled for September 27 in Kanpur.
Bangladesh Test Squad for India Series
Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Jaker Ali Anik.
