Taskin Ahmed’s return to Test cricket has been tempered with caution. The fiery pace bowler has been plagued by a persistent shoulder injury, raising doubts over his ability to withstand the rigours of the five-day format.
While the seamer has been included in Bangladesh’s squad for the two-Test series against Pakistan, he will not feature in the opening encounter. Instead, he will be eased back into competitive action with a four-day fixture for the Bangladesh A side.
Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu explained the decision, stating: “Taskin has been added to the A squad to regain his rhythm in red-ball cricket. He hasn’t bowled a Test over since last June, so it’s essential we manage his workload carefully.”
With five seamers named in the Test squad, the selectors have built in contingency plans for Taskin’s delayed entry to the series.
“We’ve selected a strong pace attack, with the possibility of some bowlers joining the A side for the one-day series against Pakistan A. It’s important to have depth in this area, given the quality of batting we’re likely to face,” Lipu added.
Not only Taskin will play against Pakistan 'A' team but also some other pacers of Bangladesh team. Lipu said that they are waiting to see how they perform against world class batters. The chief selector said, "Also, some of the pacers may join the 'A' team for the ODI series (against Pakistan 'A' team).
So we need backup. We have variety in our attack, who can bowl hard and swing as well. Looking forward to watching them perform against world class batsmen.'
