Shakib returns for second Test against Sri Lanka

Shakib Al Hasan   

In a big boost to Bangladesh’s hopes of drawing the Test series against Sri Lanka Shakib Al Hasan makes a comeback to the squad for the second match, starting on March 30 in Chattogram.  
Shakib returns to international cricket for the first time since the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in November 2023. His campaign was cut short ahead of Bangladesh’s last World Cup match against Australia due to a left index finger injury.  
Earlier this year in January, he was diagnosed with a retinal condition but the Bangladesh medical team was “optimistic about managing the condition effectively with a 
conservative approach.”  

Shakib, who last played a Test in April 2023, comes back at the expense of Tawhid Hridoy, who was in the 15-member squad for the first match but did not feature in the XI.  
The Tigers have been forced into making another change to the squad with Mushfik Hasan ruled out due to a left ankle injury.  
Hasan Mahmud has been named as his replacement and brings experience from his 39 appearances in ODIs and T20Is for Bangladesh but is yet to make his Test debut.  
Reinvigorated by the changes, Bangladesh hopes to bounce back in the series after a dominating performance by Sri Lanka in the first Test.  
Crucial World Test Championship points will be up for grabs in the second Test in Chattogram with both teams tied at the sixth place in the standings with a point percentage of 33.33.  
Bangladesh squad for the second Test: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Zakir Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Litton Das, Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Shahadat Hossain, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud.
 (ICC)