Bangladesh Names Jaker Ali in Test Squad for India Series

Bangladesh has included uncapped wicketkeeper batter Jaker Ali in its squad for the two-Test series against India, replacing the injured pacer Shoriful Islam. Shoriful's injury marks the only change from the squad that won against Pakistan. The series, part of the World Test Championship, starts on September 19.

Bangladesh on Thursday named uncapped wicketkeeper batter Jaker Ali to replace the injured pacer Shoriful Islam in the squad for the two-Test series in India starting later this month.

The Tigers will be without the services of left-arm pacer Shoriful, who has been nursing a groin injury since the opening Test in Pakistan last month.

Shoriful's absence is the only change from the 16-man squad that traveled to Pakistan, where Bangladesh recorded a historic 2-0 series victory. Instead of opting for a like-for-like replacement for Shoriful, the selectors have handed a maiden Test call-up to Jaker, who has represented Bangladesh in 17 T20 Internationals, debuting during the Asian Games last year.

Jaker has played 49 first-class games, amassing 2,862 runs at an average of 41.47, including four centuries and 19 half-centuries. Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who also suffered a groin niggle during the Pakistan tour, has retained his spot. The Test series begins on September 19 in Chennai, followed by the final Test in Kanpur from September 27.

The two-match series is a part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. India and Australia currently occupy the top two spots in the WTC table, while Bangladesh is in fourth place.

The Bangladesh squad for India Tests includes: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan (wk), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali (wk), Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Taijul Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Nayeem Hasan, and Khaled Ahmed.

(With inputs from agencies.)