Selector Hannan Sarkar said Shakib was determined that the BCB had given them the shine of the golf green.
“Shakib had expressed his desire to play his final test at home. We also know that it was a matter of the government and the BCB. We sought clearance from the BCB, so when they gave us the green signal that Shakib was available for selection , we chose him. We are proud to see our legend retire from the house of cricket.
Shakib is among the team’s four spin bowling options, along with Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nayeem Hasan. Almost everyone who was part of the recent tours to Pakistan and India also made it to this team, except fast bowler Khaled Ahmed, who was picked to play in Kanpur but bowled just four overs.
Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan opened in all four Tests, at which time Mahmudul Hasan Pleasure became their back-up. Mominul Haque and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto could continue in Refuse. 3 and 4, rather than the other way around, as Mominul was given a batting century in Refuse 3. Shakib, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das and Mehidy complete a long Bangladesh batting sequence. Taijul is usually chosen in internal exams before a third seamer. Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud will have to be the first selection, even though Nahid Rana’s timing may be tempting.
Bangladesh team for first test against SA
Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Pleasure, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana
