Dhaka: Bangladesh’s selectors on Thursday included uncapped Sohag Gazi in their 14-member squad, hoping the off-spinner can get the best of left-handers in the West Indies team during next week’s first Test.
The 21-year-old took 11 wickets in Bangladesh’s ongoing first-class season that included a hat-trick and a century, earning him a call for the first of two Tests starting in Mirpur, Dhaka from November 13.
Also included in the squad is 20-year-old fast bowler Abul Hasan, who has impressed with his performances during the four Twenty20 internationals for Bangladesh this year.
But there was no room for the country’s most experienced batsman Mohammad Ashraful, who has failed to display the requisite performance in recent years.
Chief selector Akram Khan said Gazi had been rewarded for his impressive recent showings.
“We have been watching him for a year and after his recent performance we thought this is the perfect time to give him a break,” Khan said. “West Indies have plenty of left-handers, so we needed someone like him.”
Pace bowler Rubel Hossain returned to the side after a long injury lay-off that required shoulder surgery this year.
The squad for the second Test, which will be held at new venue Khulna from November 21, will be announced later.
Khan said the team selection had to be made on past form and experience, after a warm-up match was cancelled.
“It would have been nice if we could make the team after the three-day match but that was called off, so we had to rely on recent form and experience,” said Khan.
West Indies were to play a three-day warm-up match against Bangladesh Cricket Board XI in Savar from Thursday but it was initially delayed by one day because of wet ground before being completely called off.
