Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan on Friday returned to bolster Bangladesh for an upcoming two-Test series in Zimbabwe after recovering from a shin-bone injury.
Shakib, who underwent surgery in Australia in February, missed last month’s tour of Sri Lanka. He has scored 1,835 runs and taken 102 wickets in 28 Tests.
The left-hander is likely to play as a batsman only in the first Test, chief selector Akram Khan said.
“We do not want to take any risk, so he will play as a batsman in the first Test,” Khan said. “In the second Test he will be able to bowl as well.
Both Tests will be played in Harare, with the first match starting on April 17.
Bangladesh will also play three one-day internationals and two Twenty20 matches on the tour. The teams for the limited-overs games will be named later.
Opener Tamim Iqbal, who was injured during the recent one-day series in Sri Lanka, was also named in the 15-man.
Fast bowler Sajidul Islam made a comeback to the Test side after five years, replacing the injured Abul Hasan. Islam played two Tests against New Zealand in 2008.
“We have recalled Islam because of his recent good form,” Khan said, adding that former captain Mashrafe Mortaza was not considered for selection because he was unfit.
Test squad: Mushfiqur Rahim (capt), Mohammad Mahmudullah, Tamim Iqbal, Jahurul Islam, Mohammad Ashraful, Shakib Al Hasan, Mominul Haque, Nasir Hossain, Sohag Gazi, Rubel Hossain, Shahadat Hossain, Shahriar Nafees, Enamul Haque, Robiul Islam, Sajidul Islam.
