Joy returns to Tigers’ Test squad

Bangla Press Desk:  Right-handed opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy has earned a recall to Bangladesh’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match home series against Ireland, scheduled to be played later this month. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the 14-member squad on Tuesday through an official media release.

Joy, who last featured in Bangladesh’s Test side in April against Zimbabwe, forced his way back into contention with outstanding performances in the ongoing National Cricket League (NCL).

Representing Chattogram Division, he amassed 238 runs in the first two rounds at an average of 79.33, including a century and a fifty against Rajshahi Division.

From the squad that toured Sri Lanka for a two-Test series in June, opener Anamul Haque Bijoy, wicketkeeper-batter Mahidul Islam Ankon, and off-spinner Nayeem Hasan have been left out to make room for Joy’s return.

Ireland are set to arrive in Dhaka on 6 November. The first Test will begin on 11 November at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, while the second Test is slated for 19 November at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

The series will be followed by three T20 internationals at the Bir Shreshtha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram on 27, 29 November, and 2 December. The visitors are scheduled to depart Bangladesh on 3 December.

Bangladesh Test squad:

Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumer Das, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Hasan Murad.

BP/SP