The Bangladesh Cricket Board's four-member selection committee is due to announce the 13-man squad for the first Test tomorrow but the inclusion of the 22- year-old fast bowler dubbed the 'Narail Express' looks a near certainty after a string of impressive performances in domestic cricket following his return to action after a year out through injury.

The first of the two Tests will start at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on December 9. India are expected to arrive in Dhaka on December 7. Sourav Ganguly's men also play three one-day internationals during the three-week tour.

"He (Mashrafee) had been declared fit before the third ODI against New Zealand but we did not want to rush him as he needs to be handled with care. But he is very much under consideration this time around as he has already played some competitive matches," said Faruque about the exciting quick.

Barring a sensational twist in events to follow, Mashrafee will operate the new ball with Tapash Baishya.

Faruque was adamant that the final 13 for the first Test will be made from the 21 players training in the preliminary camp at present and ruled out any prospect of including someone new. "I should say there is hardly any chance of changes even in the one-day side."

The main dilemma for the selectors should be the spin department where they are spoilt for choice in finding a partner for Mohammad Rafique. Three fellow left-armers Abdur Razzak, Enamul Haque (Jr) and Manjarul Islam are vying for the role.

Nevertheless, Razzak, who is back in contention having received the all-clear from experts after going through a correctional process with his action and Manjarul, who is considered more of a container, are likely to make way for Enamul because of his potential and experience as an attacking option.

Batting remains the perennial headache for the selectors but the return of skipper Habibul Bashar, the country's leading Test batsman who had missed virtually all his international commitments since June because of injuries, was a mighty relief.

"Bashar is the backbone of our batting and that's why it was difficult to replace him when he was recovering," said Faruque

It was learnt that the selectors were opposed to keeping a third opening batting choice which means there will be no room for Hannan Sarker while Javed Omar and Nafees Iqbal will have another shot at striking a solid partnership.

There could be a slight debate regarding Alok Kapali and Al Shahriar. Their sheer talent make them both popular but Kapali is the favourite to keep his place despite a prolonged run of poor form as Al Shariar has not done anything inspiring in recent times.

The middle-order is more or less settled with Mohammed Ashraful, Rajin Saleh, Aftab Ahmed and wicket-keeper Khaled Mashud.

"Unfortunately we do not have too many batting options as most of the batsmen in the preliminary squad have also struggled in the Premier League," said Faruque.

With no one challenging the all-rounder's slot, Mushfiqur Rahman is expected to complete the 13.