Bangladesh's ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been picked for the first of the two Test matches they are scheduled to play against South Africa. The opening encounter between the two sides will be played from October 21-25 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka.
Bangladesh have had mixed results in the longest format of the game. They beat Pakistan 2-0 in their own backyard in the two-match Test series before being handed heavy losses by Team India, who whitewashed them 2-0 in the Test series. They are currently seventh in the World Test Championship (WTC) table, with no chance of qualifying for the final.
The first match of the series also happens to be Shakib's last match of his career. The 37-year-old announced his retirement from T20 cricket in the pre-match press conference before the second Test against India at Kanpur and also said that he could play his last Test at his home ground if apt security is provided to him.
Bangladesh squad for 1st Test vs SA: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haq, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud
Bangladesh and South Africa to square off in a two-match Test series
Bangladesh and South Africa will lock horns in a two-match Test series this month. The first Test of the tour will be played from October 21-25 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka. The second Test of the series will be played from October 29 to November 2 at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram.
South Africa last played Bangladesh in a two-match Test series back in 2022. Hosting the series, South Africa beat Bangladesh 2-0. This also happens to be the Proteas' first tour of the country since 2015, where both the Test matches were drawn.
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