Anamul returns to Bangladesh test squad

After an impressive run in the National Cricket League and a phenomenal performance in the ongoing Dhaka Premier League, Anamul Haque has earned his way back into Bangladesh’s Test squad. Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam has received his maiden Test call-up — a surprise move that adds a twist to the selection.

Anamul Haque has been in brilliant form in the Dhaka Premier League. But his recent success isn’t limited to just 50-over cricket. He also did well in the longer format during the National League, and that consistency has opened the doors for his return to the Test side.

He’s been named in the squad for the upcoming Test against Zimbabwe in Chattogram. The inclusion of Tanvir Islam, however, is the real surprise. The left-arm spinner, who’s never played Test cricket before, finds himself in the squad for the very first time.

Opener Zakir Hasan, who was benched in the Sylhet Test, has been dropped. Fast bowler Nahid Rana is also out — but that was expected, as he is set to play in the Pakistan Super League.

The decision to bring in Tanvir as Nahid’s replacement has raised eyebrows, especially since it increases the number of spinners in the squad to four. This could be a hint at what to expect from the pitch in Chattogram.

Although this is Tanvir’s first time in a Test squad, the 28-year-old already has four T20I caps for Bangladesh. In first-class cricket, he has taken 134 wickets in 41 matches, including six five-wicket hauls. His best bowling figures are 8 for 51. While his performance in the last National League wasn’t remarkable — 15 wickets in 7 matches — he was in fine form in the 2023 edition, grabbing 25 wickets in five games for Barishal Division. He has also represented Bangladesh A against Afghanistan in 2019 and West Indies A in 2023.

Anamul, on the other hand, returns to the Test setup after almost three years. His last appearance was during the 2022 tour of the West Indies, where he scored 23 and 4 in the two innings — performances that saw him sidelined for a long stretch.

Since making his Test debut in 2013, Anamul has struggled to secure a permanent spot. Over nearly a decade, he has featured in just five Tests, scoring 100 runs in 10 innings at an average of 10, with a highest score of 23.

In the ongoing Premier League, he has been a standout performer for Gazi Group Cricketers, scoring 874 runs in 14 innings with four fifties and four centuries — no other player has even crossed the 700-run mark. His sensational form has been highlighted in the BCB’s official statement.

He also found rhythm with the red ball in the last National League, scoring exactly 700 runs for Khulna in 13 innings, including a century and six fifties. Only Amit Hasan scored more, with 785 runs.

Zakir makes way for Anamul in the squad. Much like the second Test against West Indies, Zakir was also benched in the recent Sylhet Test. In his last appearance, he was dismissed for 15 and 0. He hasn’t scored a fifty in his last 13 innings, but dropping him without even playing the last match does raise some questions.

The second Test against Zimbabwe will start next Monday at the Bir Shreshtha Flight Lieutenant Shaheed Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram (formerly known as the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium).

Bangladesh Test Squad

Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Sadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Zakir Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vice-captain), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Tanvir Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan.