Taskin Ahmed returns to Bangladesh Test squad for upcoming series against Pakistan

Taskeen Ahmed (Twitter)

Following Bangladeshi pacer Taskin Ahmed recent declaration of his eagerness to return to international red-ball cricket, the Bangladesh Cricket Board affirmed his capability to participate in longer-format games. Consequently, he has been incorporated into the 15-member squad set to travel to Pakistan for the two-match Test series.

Taskin, who last featured in a Test match in June 2023 after requesting the BCB for an exemption to recover from a shoulder injury while continuing his white-ball commitments, is now poised to seize an opportunity for his Test comeback.

Chairman of the national selection panel, Gazi Ashraf Hossain, spoke on the selection of Taskin, and was like Taskin will only be playing the second Test, since his long hiatus from red-ball cricket owing to that. He also indicated that the decision to include him in the Bangladesh A squad for the second four-day match against Pakistan was a deliberate attempt to help Taskin regain his rhythm.

“We have selected five pacers, mindful of the fact that Taskin Ahmed will only play the second Test. He hasn’t bowled in a Test since June last year and we have decided to include him in the ‘A’ team for the second four-dayer against Pakistan A to get him into the rhythm for longer-version matches,” stated Hossain, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Hossain further elucidated that another rationale for including Taskin in the 15-member squad was the anticipated likelihood of several pace bowlers being drafted into the A team for the one-day matches. Consequently, there was a need for reliable backups to ensure squad depth.

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“Also, a couple of the pacers may join the A Team for the one-day matches, so we needed backups. Our attack has a variety of bowlers who can bowl fast and also swing the ball and I am really looking forward to seeing them perform against world-class batters,” mentioned Hossain.

Their experience of the conditions should come in handy: Hossain

In commendation of Pakistan’s formidable prowess particularly on home soil, Hossain remarked that the upcoming tour would present both a formidable challenge and a rigorous test for Bangladesh. He elaborated on his earlier statement, noting that several players, including those with substantial experience, would be incorporated into the Test setup, with the added advantage of their familiarity with local conditions proving invaluable.

“Pakistan are very tough opponents, especially in their home front and it will be a challenging tour for us. It is good that we will get additional time to prepare in Lahore. Also, some players who are in Pakistan already with the Bangladesh A side will join the national team for the Test series. Their experience of the conditions should come in handy,” added Hossain.

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The squad, which is departing ahead of schedule due to a political crisis in the country, will convene in Lahore and conduct their training at the Gaddafi Stadium from August 14 to 16, after the Pakistan Cricket Board granted them allowance to prepone their travel in a gesture teemed with goodwill. They will then proceed to Islamabad on August 17 in preparation for the first Test, scheduled to commence on August 21.