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The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Friday, October 18 named uncapped left-arm spinner, Hasan Murad as veteran Bangladesh all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan’s replacement for the first Test against South Africa, which is set to commence from October 21 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. Bangladesh will host South Africa for two-match Test series from October 21.
It is to be noted that Hasan Murad has picked 136 wickets in 30 First-Class matches after making his debut in 2021. He last featured in the national side in a T20I match against India in Hangzhou during the Asian Games 2023.
Shakib Al Hasan to miss first Test against South Africa
BCB’s National Selection Panel Chairman, Gazi Ashraf Hossain opened up about the absence of Shakib Al Hasan. He also confirmed that the veteran all-rounder will miss the opening Test after citing personal security reasons and Murad has been named his replacement. “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,” Hossain said as quoted by Cricbuzz.
"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," he added.
Bangladesh’s squad for South Africa Tests
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
