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Bangladesh have been forced to make a significant change just days before the start of their Zimbabwe tour. Liton Das, one of the team’s most experienced batsmen and first-choice wicketkeeper, has been ruled out of the one-off Test, leaving the visitors with a void that needs to be filled both behind the stumps and in the batting order.
The timing could not have been worse. Bangladesh look to build momentum in Test cricket after showing encouraging signs in recent months, and Liton Das’s absence removes a player who is capable of changing the course of a match with both bat and gloves. The selectors have turned to Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan as cover, and the 27-year-old now has a golden opportunity to establish himself in the longest format.
Why Liton Das will not play Zimbabwe Test and what it means for Bangladesh
Bangladesh have suffered a major blow ahead of the one-off Test against Zimbabwe, with in-form wicketkeeper-batsman Liton Das ruled out with a calf injury.
Liton Das, who also missed the recently concluded three-match T20I series against Australia in Chattogram after suffering an injury during the ODI in Dhaka, has been replaced by Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan.
“Das is recovering from a left calf strain and has missed the recently concluded T20 series against Australia. The BCB medical team has assessed his condition and are of the opinion that the batsman will struggle to regain match fitness for the Test within the available time frame,” the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said in a statement.
“The BCB national selection panel has called up 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan as Das’ replacement in the Test squad,” it added.
The tour will begin with a one-off Test at the Harare Sports Club on June 28, after which the teams will play three ODIs and three T20 matches. Bangladesh will be hopeful of a speedy recovery for Liton Das, especially with a busy international schedule still to come at the end of the year.
“The last two games against Pakistan showed how we want to play Test cricket” – Phil Simmons
Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons believes the focus should be on maintaining the standards rather than worrying about the opponent.
Asked about a win or loss against Zimbabwe, Simmons said, “These days, I don’t worry about those things.” “The thing is that we have started playing cricket the way we want to play it, especially in Test cricket.
“The last two matches against Pakistan showed how we want to play Test cricket. That’s how we will go to Zimbabwe and try to play. Whether you are playing Zimbabwe or England, you are playing Test cricket and you have to play to a certain standard.”
“If you are playing ODI or T20 cricket, you have to play to a certain standard. It doesn’t matter who you are playing against. That’s the way I look at it.”
Simmons also sees Zimbabwe’s appointment as an important step ahead of the tough challenges of Bangladesh later in the year.
“It’s good preparation for the Australia Test series. But there is work to be done when the Test players come back. We have time before we go to Australia. There is more work to be done before we go there. Australia is a different proposition than Zimbabwe. However, right now, we are focused on the Zimbabwe Test match.”
Bangladesh’s probable playing XI after Liton Das ruled out of Zimbabwe Test
Liton Das’s injury has certainly opened the door for Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan. The wicketkeeper’s only Test appearance was against South Africa, but with no other specialist keepers in the team, he is expected to go straight into the playing eleven.
The rest of the batting unit largely picks itself. Shadman Islam and captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto should open the innings, with Mahmudul Hasan Joy likely to get the No. 3 slot. Bangladesh are unlikely to break the experienced middle-order trio of Mominul Haq, Mushfiqur Rahim and Tauheed Hridoy.
Harare traditionally provide support to the spinners as the game progresses, which may encourage Bangladesh to field two frontline tweakers. Taijul Islam remains an automatic selection, while Nayeem Hasan gives the visitors another wicket-taking option. Hassan Mahmood and Khalid Ahmed are expected to lead the pace attack, although Ebadot Hossain will be working hard on his return from injury.
Bangladesh’s probable XI against Zimbabwe
Shadman Islam, Nazmul Hussain Shanto (captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haq, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tauheed Hridoy, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan (wicketkeeper), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Hasan Mahmood, Khalid Ahmed.
bangladesh test team vs zimbabwe
Nazmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Tanjeed Hasan, Mominul Haq, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahidul Islam (wk), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Khalid Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmood, Tauheed Hridoy, Amit Hasan, Robiul Haq.
