Daijiworld Media Network - Dhaka

Dhaka, Oct 23: Bangladesh have recalled fast bowler Taskin Ahmed to their squad for the first of the two-match Test series against the West Indies at home, with the opening match scheduled to begin on October 28 in Mirpur.

Taskin was rested for Bangladesh's previous Test against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, which ended in a hard-fought draw for the Afghan side. He has now replaced Khaled Ahmed in the squad for the upcoming encounter.

White-ball captain Litton Das, who missed the ODI tri-series in the UAE due to a hip injury, has also been included in the 15-member squad.

Meanwhile, Soumya Sarkar has been dropped after remaining on the sidelines during the matches against Australia and Afghanistan. His last Test appearance came more than five years ago, in February 2021.

All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has also returned to the squad after featuring in only one of the two tri-series matches due to a viral fever.

The squad, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, includes three specialist spinners and three fast bowlers, with the final bowling combination likely to depend on the pitch prepared for the opening Test.

Mehidy, Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan will handle the spin department, while Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud and Taskin Ahmed are the pace options. Fast bowler Nahid Rana has been left out as he continues to recover from a side strain.

The two-Test series will be crucial for Bangladesh as they seek to strengthen their chances of reaching the 2027 World Test Championship final.

Bangladesh are currently fourth in the standings, with three wins, one draw and two defeats from six matches. Their points percentage (PCT) stands at 55.56 per cent, placing them behind South Africa, who have a PCT of 66.67 per cent following their recent victory in the second Test against Australia.

Bangladesh squad for the first Test against the West Indies: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Taskin Ahmed, Jaker Ali, Litton Das (wicketkeeper), Mominul Haque, Tanzid Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Tawhid Hridoy, Shadman Islam, Shoriful Islam, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mushfiqur Rahim and Nayeem Hasan.