Bangladesh fast bowler Shoriful Islam will miss the upcoming two-test series against India due to a groin injury he sustained during the recent series in Pakistan. This comes as a blow to the Bangladesh team as they are riding high on their recent success in Pakistan, where they clinched their first-ever Test series victory against their Asian rivals. Shoriful, who claimed three wickets in the first Test in Rawalpindi, was unavailable for the second match due to his injury.
In his absence, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has named a 16-member squad for the India tour, with uncapped Jaker Ali Anik being drafted in as the second wicketkeeper. Despite Litton Das’s impressive performance in the series against Pakistan, where he scored a match-winning century, Anik has been included in the squad. The first Test is scheduled to start on Sept. 19 in Chennai, followed by the second match in Kanpur from Sept. 27. India, who currently top the World Test Championship standings and rank second in the ICC’s official test rankings, are seven places above Bangladesh.
Following the series against Bangladesh, India will host New Zealand for three matches before embarking on a five-Test series in Australia. The Bangladesh Test squad for the India tour includes Najmul Hossain Shanto as captain, alongside Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and other key players. The absence of Shoriful Islam will be felt by the team, but they will be looking to continue their winning momentum from the Pakistan series and put up a strong fight against the formidable Indian side. With a mix of experienced players and young talents, Bangladesh will be eager to make their mark in the upcoming series.
