Zakir Hasan earns maiden call-up for India Tests

Up and coming prospect Zakir Hasan has earned a maiden call-up for the forthcoming test series against India. With top order batter Tamim Iqbal still recovering from injury, Zakir has a chance to establish his place upfront. 

The 24 year old earned his spot in the 17 member squad after topping the run charts in the domestic four day competition. He also bagged the Player of the match in the first unofficial Test against India, having scored a well compiled 173 in the second innings to muster a draw for the hosts. The wicket keeper batter followed it up with a defiant 46 in the first innings of the ongoing second match. 

Tamim Iqbal continues to stay on the sidelines after picking up a groin injury which ruled him out of the ongoing ODI series. Our physio said he won't be able to play in the first Test. But we are awaiting the medical report for the second Test. So, we've announced the squad for the opening Test," BCB chief selector Minhajul Abedin said in a statement 

"As for Zakir we feel he is performing regularly in domestic cricket to earn a spot in the Test squad," Minhajul added.

The return of Mushfiqur Rahim to the Test side has also bolstered the squad. The senior pro missed the previous series against West Indie. Taskin Ahmed who didn’t feature in the white ball assignment due to an injury, is deemed fit for the Tests. 

Bangladesh squad for 1st Test: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hassan Shanto, Mominul Haque, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan (C), Litton Das, Nurul Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Zakir Hasan, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Anamul Haque Bijoy