Bangladesh have unveiled their 15-member squad for the first Test against Zimbabwe, set to begin on April 20 in Sylhet, with young pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib receiving his maiden call-up to the red-ball side.

The 22-year-old, who has made a mark in white-ball formats with 37 wickets across 10 ODIs and 22 T20Is, is the standout new face in a squad that also sees the return of several senior players. Najmul Hossain Shanto resumes captaincy duties after sitting out the recent Test series against the West Indies, while veteran Mushfiqur Rahim returns to bolster the middle order.

Key selections and the squad’s strength  

Shanto’s return is expected to strengthen a top order that includes Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan. Middle-order experience comes in the form of Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur, who brings 94 Tests worth of experience and over 6,000 runs. The squad also features all-rounders Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, who are likely to be pivotal in home conditions.

The inclusion of Mahidul Islam Ankon and Jaker Ali Anik adds fresh options to the batting lineup, while the pace attack is led by Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Nahid Rana, and the newly-inducted Tanzim.

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Significance of the series

This series marks Bangladesh’s first red-ball engagement at home in the 2023�5 ICC World Test Championship cycle. With spin-friendly conditions expected, the home side will look to press their advantage against the touring party.

The first Test will take place in Sylhet from April 20â€?4, followed by the second in Chattogram from April 28 – May 2.

Bangladesh’s squad for Zimbabwe Tests

Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib

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