Uncapped opener Mahfijul Islam has earned his maiden Test call-up after an impressive run in the National Cricket League.

Mohammad Naim has returned to the squad after more than four years, while Shadman Islam misses the tour due to an ankle injury.

Bangladesh have announced their 16-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, with Najmul Hossain Shanto set to lead the side. Uncapped opener Mahfijul Islam has earned his maiden call-up after an impressive run in domestic cricket, while Mohammad Naim has returned to the Test setup after more than four years.

Naim last played a Test against New Zealand in Christchurch in 2022. Meanwhile, regular opener Shadman Islam has been ruled out of the tour after sustaining an ankle injury during the ongoing Test against West Indies in Sylhet. Nahid Rana continues to miss out as he recovers from a labrum tear injury.

Mahfijul Islam earns maiden Test call-up, Mohammad Naim returns

Mahfijul has scored 672 runs in 10 innings for Mymensingh in the ongoing 28th National Cricket League at an average of 74.67. His tally includes an unbeaten 217 against Chattogram, while his performances for Bangladesh A during their tour of South Africa in August also impressed the selectors.

Chief selector Habibul Bashar said Bangladesh had been looking for a right-handed opener and felt Mahfijul had done enough to earn his opportunity. He also revealed that Mahmudul Hasan Joy was considered for the role but was ruled out on medical grounds shortly before the squad announcement.

“We actually wanted to give Robin [Mahfijul] a little more time to get ready. So I think he proved himself. We saw him in first-class, we saw him play for the A team, where he looked very promising,” Bashar said.

Bangladesh announce 16-member squad for South Africa Tests

Naim has earned a recall after more than four years, while Mominul Haque returns after missing the second Test against West Indies due to a concussion. Pacer Khaled Ahmed has also been recalled, while off-spinner Nayeem Hasan and wicketkeeper-batter Amite Hasan have lost their places.

Bangladesh will leave for South Africa on November 10 and 11. The first Test begins in Johannesburg on November 15, followed by the second in Centurion from November 23. The tour will also include three ODIs and three T20Is after the Test series.

Bangladesh’s Test squad for South Africa: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mohammad Naim, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vc), Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed and Mahfijul Islam.