Mustafizur not playing Ind Test

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman will not be playing in the one–off Test against India set to take place in Hyderabad on 9 February. Shafiul Islam has replaced him.

According to chief selector Minhajul Abedin, Mustafizur hasn’t had enough game-time ever since his recovery from his operation to play a Test match. “Although he doesn’t have any problem medically, he still needs to work on his skill fitness,” said Minhajul at a press conference today afternoon.

Coach Chandika Hathurusingha, who was also present at the press conference, said that they were hoping to get Mustafizur fit for the Sri Lanka series.

Liton Das, who recently scored a 219 in the first round of the Bangladesh Cricket League received a surprise call up into the squad. Liton has replaced Nurul Hasan from the New Zealand series.

Liton has been selected to further strengthen the batting line-up. Aside from his batting, he is also likely to play the role of a back-up wicketkeeper for Musfhiqur in the team.

The injured trio of Mushfiqur Rahim, Imrul Kayes and Mominul Haque has been included in the team. They passed the fitness tests that took place today and yesterday and will be playing in India.

15-man squad for the India Test:

Mushfiqur Rahim (Captain), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah Riyad, Imrul Kayes, Shakib Al Hasan, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Mominul Haque, Sabbir Rahman, Liton Das, Taskin Ahmed, Subashis Roy, Taijul Islam, Kamrul Islam Rabbi and Shafiul Islam.

India yesterday named a 16-member team led by Virat Kohli to take on Bangladesh in the historic one-off Test match to be played in Hyderabad from February 9.