DHAKA: Bangladesh has added Mosaddek Hossain to their squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka starting on 15 May at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.
The Bangladesh batter becomes the second addition to the squad after Nayeem Hasan, who came in as a replacement for the injured Mehidy Hasan, according to International Cricket Council (ICC).
The move will bolster Bangladesh’s batting department in what will be a crucial series for the hosts in their hunt for vital World Test Championship 2021-23 points, as they languish just above the bottom of the table.
Mosaddek isn’t a regular for Bangladesh in the longest format, having last played a Test in 2019 against Afghanistan in Chattogram. Overall, he has played three Tests, scoring 164 runs at an average of 41.00. His inclusion though will give Bangladesh some useful overs, as he is a more than handy part-time spinner.
His inclusion was confirmed by a member of the senior men’s team’s selection panel, Habibul Bashar. He said, “Mosaddek was injured after playing two first-class games so he could not play either in the National Cricket League or Bangladesh Cricket League.
“We have included him as we feel if we play four bowlers then we might need someone who can bat down the order,” he added.
The sides will compete in a two-match Test series with the first match taking place in Chattogram between 15-19 May. The second contest will be held in Dhaka between 23-27 May.
Bangladesh squad: Mominul Haque (c), Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Das, Yasir Ali, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Nurul Hasan, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Shohidul Islam, Shoriful Islam (subject to fitness), Mosaddek Hossain.
