Taskin Is Back: Bangladesh Name 15 for West Indies Test Series Opener
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has named a 15-member squad for the first Test against West Indies, which begins at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on October 28. The headline call is the return of fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, recalled after being rested for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi earlier this month.
Najmul Hossain Shanto captains the side, with all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz as his deputy. The second Test of the two-match series follows in Sylhet from November 5 to 9, with World Test Championship points on the line for both teams.
Taskin's return headlines the changes
Taskin takes the spot vacated by Khaled Ahmed. He was rested for the Abu Dhabi Test against Afghanistan, which ended in a draw, and now joins a pace attack of Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain and Hasan Mahmud. The selectors have kept faith with the spin trio of Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nayeem Hasan for home conditions in Mirpur.
Litton Das is back after missing the UAE tri-series with a hip injury, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz returns too after recovering from viral fever. Shadman Islam and left-hander Tanzid Hasan are the specialist openers, with Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, Litton and Towhid Hridoy forming the middle order and Jaker Ali Anik as wicketkeeper-batter.
Soumya's wait goes on
The notable omission is Soumya Sarkar. He did not feature in the playing XI against Afghanistan and has not played a Test since February 2021 — his 16th appearance in the format — despite being in the squads for the Tests in Australia in August and against Afghanistan. Nahid Rana continues to miss out as he recovers from a side strain.
Why this series matters
Both Tests carry World Test Championship weight. Bangladesh sit fourth in the standings after six matches, with three wins, one draw and two defeats — and a home series win over West Indies would strengthen their push towards the 2027 final. West Indies, led by Roston Chase, arrive after a warm-up match in Dhaka and will look to spoil the party in conditions that traditionally favour the hosts' spinners.
✅ Key takeaways
- Taskin recalled: The pacer returns after being rested for the drawn Afghanistan Test, replacing Khaled Ahmed.
- Returns: Litton Das (hip) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (viral fever) are both back in the 15.
- Omissions: Soumya Sarkar dropped; Nahid Rana still sidelined with a side strain.
- Dates: 1st Test Mirpur from October 28; 2nd Test Sylhet from November 5.
Bangladesh squad for the 1st Test: Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vice-capt), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam.