Mahmudul Hasan Joy has forced his way back into Bangladesh’s Test plans, named in a 15-man squad for two matches against Ireland in Sylhet (11-15 November) and Dhaka (19-23 November).
The 24-year-old opener is the sole change from the side beaten 1-0 in Sri Lanka last June. A lean run – average 14.92 in seven Tests across 2024 – cost him his spot, yet 127 and 51 for Chattogram in the National Cricket League last month have sharpened the selectors’ memories. “NCL runs always give you confidence,” Joy told reporters in Chattogram. “But Test cricket is a different challenge, and I’m ready to take it on again.”
Najmul Hossain Shanto resumes the captaincy after briefly stepping aside following that Sri Lanka defeat. Chief selector Minhajul Abedin explained the U-turn: “Shanto remains our best option as captain for this cycle. The board believes continuity will help the team.”
There is no place for Anamul Haque, Mahidul Islam Ankon or off-spinner Nayeem Hasan. Instead, Bangladesh have selected a balanced attack: four quicks – Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud and the lively left-armer Nahid Rana – plus the spin trio of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam and uncapped left-armer Hasan Murad. Murad’s 9 for 135 for Chattogram in October caught the eye, while Taijul needs ten wickets to overtake Shakib Al Hasan as the country’s leading Test bowler.
All eyes will also be on Mushfiqur Rahim. Should the 38-year-old play both fixtures, he will become the first Bangladeshi to reach 100 Tests. He warmed up with a measured 115 for Sylhet at the venue for the opening match. Former captain Habibul Bashar paid tribute on local television: “Mushfiqur has been the backbone of our batting for two decades. Reaching a hundred Tests is testament to his fitness and hunger.”
Ireland’s visit falls outside the current World Test Championship cycle, yet Bangladesh view the series as valuable preparation for tougher assignments in 2026. Shanto underlined that point: “We’ve got specific plans for Ireland, but the bigger picture is building habits that last.”
Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Murad.
