Bangladesh cricket has been forced to make a change to their squad for the upcoming Test series against the West Indies due to an injury to their captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto. Shahadat Hossain Dipu will replace Shanto, who sustained a groin injury during the second game of Bangladesh’s recently concluded three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in the UAE.
The Injury and Replacement
Shanto’s injury occurred at a critical moment, ruling him out of the third ODI against Afghanistan and the subsequent two-match Test series against the West Indies. In response, the selectors have called upon Shahadat Hossain Dipu, who made his national team debut in December 2023 against New Zealand. Dipu had participated in three more matches before his form saw him dropped from the team. However, he has recently shown a return to form, scoring a century (116 runs) for the Chattogram Division in the National Cricket League, which has led to his recall to the Bangladesh squad.
Upcoming Series Details
The first Test match between Bangladesh and West Indies is scheduled to take place in Antigua on November 22, followed by the second Test in Jamaica starting on November 30. These matches are crucial for both teams as they look to climb the rankings in the World Test Championship.
Squad Composition
Aside from the inclusion of Dipu, the Bangladesh team for the Test series comprises a mix of experienced players and fresh talent. Names like Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Liton Kumar Das, and Mehedi Hasan Miraz will be expected to step up in the absence of their injured captain. The squad’s composition suggests a blend of batting strength and all-around abilities, setting the stage for a competitive series.
Conclusion
As the Bangladesh team embarks on their tour of the West Indies, they will do so without the services of their skipper Shanto. Dipu’s inclusion in the team will be watched closely by fans and critics alike, given his recent domestic performance and earlier struggle to cement his place in the national team. The series stands as an opportunity for both Dipu and the team to showcase resilience and skill on the international stage, an endeavor that carries the hopes of Bangladeshi cricket supporters.
