Anamul Haque Bijoy is all set to return to Test cricket after nearly three years, and along with his comeback, Bangladesh could make up to three changes for the Chattogram Test.
After joining the Bangladesh team, Anamul Haque shared a photo on social media — standing with his back to the camera in a pristine white jersey, his name and number shining in bright green. If everything goes as planned, he will walk onto the field wearing that jersey on Monday, ending his long Test absence.
For Bangladesh’s long-standing top-order woes, the immediate solution seems to be Anamul. With five Tests under his belt, the 32-year-old will be looking to restart his career against Zimbabwe in Chattogram.
But his return won’t be the only change to Bangladesh’s XI compared to the Sylhet Test.
Nahid Rana has left to participate in the Pakistan Super League, and in his place, a spinner has been added to the squad. There’s also curiosity about whether the team will play an extra spinner or stick with three pacers.
At the pre-match press conference, Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons kept that curiosity alive, saying:
“We could go with three seamers and two spinners, or two seamers and three spinners. It could be either. I can’t confirm it right now. It’s definitely on our minds, but the final decision will be made later today.”
However, the likely bowling combination became clearer when Simmons spoke about the pitch:
“The wicket looks very good. It’s quite hard, smooth, and a bit dry. We can expect some turn later in the match, which could work to our advantage.”
Given the pitch conditions, it’s almost certain the team will lean on their spinners. Adding a spinner to the squad in place of a pacer signals the same. A two-pacer, three-spinner attack looks all but confirmed.
The most probable choice for the third spinner is Nayeem Hasan. Facing Zimbabwe’s left-handers like Ben Curran, Craig Ervine, and Sean Williams, the team might prefer Chattogram’s local off-spinner.
Taijul Islam didn’t perform at his best in Sylhet, but his spot in the XI doesn’t seem under serious threat yet. First-time Test squad member Tanvir Islam is expected to stay on the bench — unless a late injury forces a change.
Even with two pacers, a small tweak could happen in the pace department. Although Hasan Mahmud wasn’t at his sharpest in Sylhet, he’s still considered the team’s most skilled pacer, so his place looks fairly secure.
However, Tanzim Hasan could be in line for a Test debut, possibly replacing Syed Khaled Ahmed. While Tanzim may not match Nahid Rana’s raw pace, he’s no slouch either. With good speed, bounce, and an attacking mindset, his bowling could prove useful on a batting-friendly wicket.
In the Sylhet Test, Zimbabwe played left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza and off-spinning all-rounder Wesley Madhevere — both expected to feature again in Chattogram. Sean Williams, although not required to bowl in Sylhet, remains a highly capable left-arm spinner.
If Zimbabwe choose to go with an extra spinner by dropping a pacer, they also have leg-spinner Vincent Mashekesha available in the squad.
