Bangladesh Announce Squad for India Tests, Shoriful Islam Sidelined

Bangladesh have announced a 16-man squad for the two-Test series against India, with left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam being the notable absentee. The 23-year-old quick is still recovering from a groin injury that missed the second Test of Bangladesh's historic 2-0 series win against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

The selectors have sought the inclusion of wicketkeeper-batsman Jaker Ali for his maiden Test call-up, in a surprising move, instead of replacing Shoriful with another fast bowler. A reputed explosive bat in T20 cricket, Ali did well during Bangladesh A's tour of Pakistan. His inclusion gives the team an additional batting option, while the experienced campaigners Litton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim can be handed over from wicketkeeping to concentrate on their batting skills.

Not adding another seamer indicates that Bangladesh will rely more on their spin attack in Indian conditions. The squad already boasts four pace options Taskin Ahmed, Khaled Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead the side, with the experienced trio of Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Litton Das forming the backbone of the batting lineup. The spin department looks strong, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, and Nayeem Hasan in the mix.

This series gets underway with the opening Test in Chennai, and the second match sees them travel to Kanpur. Bangladesh will be hoping that it continues into this tour and they can pose a threat to India's dominance on their soil.

Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Jaker Ali Anik