Taskin Ahmed Returns as Bangladesh Name Squad for West Indies Test
Bangladesh have recalled fast bowler Taskin Ahmed for the opening Test against West Indies, adding experience and pace to a 15-member squad announced by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Friday, October 23. Taskin was rested for Bangladesh’s one-off Test against Afghanistan and comes back in place of fellow seamer Khaled Ahmed.
The two-match series carries important World Test Championship (WTC) points, giving the selection added significance for a Bangladesh side seeking consistency in the longest format. The first Test is scheduled to begin on October 28 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The teams will then travel to Sylhet for the second Test, starting November 5.
Bangladesh’s 15-member Test squad
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead the group, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz named vice-captain. The squad also includes a blend of established Test players, developing batters and a varied bowling attack.
Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vice-captain), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain and Shoriful Islam.
Taskin strengthens the pace options
Taskin’s return gives Bangladesh another frontline fast-bowling option alongside Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain and Shoriful Islam. The selectors have opted for four specialist seamers, while retaining three spin choices in Taijul, Mehidy and Nayeem. That balance could prove useful in Mirpur, where conditions may offer assistance to spinners, while the quicks will be expected to create pressure with the new ball and provide control through longer spells.
Taskin’s pace and international experience could also help Bangladesh manage the workload of the other seamers across a demanding two-Test schedule. His inclusion does not guarantee a place in the starting XI, but it gives the team management greater flexibility when assessing the pitch, weather and match conditions. Any cricket prediction about the balance of the attack will depend heavily on the surface prepared in Mirpur and how much assistance it offers to fast bowlers.
Khaled Ahmed misses out despite previously featuring in the squad, including against Zimbabwe. Chief selector Habibul Bashar said the current fast-bowling group reflects the selectors’ preferred options, while leaving open the possibility of Khaled returning for later assignments.
“Right now our top three are actually Ebadot, Shoriful and Hasan,” Bashar said. “Taskin is back, so Khaled’s chances of coming here are low. Since we have taken four seam bowlers, Khaled didn’t get a chance.” He added that Khaled could be considered for future Tests, including the next match or the tour of South Africa.
Litton Das available after injury concern
One of the most encouraging developments for Bangladesh is the expected availability of Litton Das. The wicketkeeper-batter missed the recent tri-nation series in the United Arab Emirates after sustaining a hip bone injury, but he has been included in the Test squad as the team monitors his recovery.
Bashar acknowledged that there was still some concern about Litton’s fitness but said the selectors were hopeful he would be ready. His presence would provide experience in the middle order and strengthen Bangladesh’s wicketkeeping options. Jaker Ali has also been named, giving the side a reserve wicketkeeper while he captains the BCB XI in a two-day warm-up match against the touring West Indies.
Litton’s fitness will be an important factor in Bangladesh’s final preparations. If fully fit, he can contribute both behind the stumps and with the bat; if not, Jaker’s inclusion gives the team an alternative without requiring a late change to the squad.
Nahid Rana and Soumya Sarkar left out
Fast bowler Nahid Rana is unavailable for the opening Test while he travels to Australia for an assessment of a longstanding injury. He is also considered unlikely to return for the second match, leaving Bangladesh without one of their potential pace options for the series.
Opener Soumya Sarkar, who was part of the squad for the Afghanistan Test, has also been omitted. Bashar explained that the decision was connected to the selectors’ emphasis on regular first-class cricket. Rather than remain with the national group without a clear role, players outside the likely starting XI may benefit from competing in domestic matches.
“The thing we are emphasizing is first-class cricket,” Bashar said. “We are giving it great importance. We want those who may not be in the XI to play first-class cricket. That is the reason we are also not keeping Soumya Sarkar.” The approach suggests the selectors are looking beyond the immediate series, aiming to keep reserve players active in competitive red-ball cricket.
WTC points raise the stakes
Bangladesh’s selection reflects the importance of the series within the World Test Championship. With two Tests on home soil, the side will have an opportunity to pursue valuable points while testing its batting depth and bowling combinations against West Indies. The selectors have made relatively few changes, indicating confidence in the core group while addressing specific needs through Taskin’s return and Jaker’s inclusion as wicketkeeping cover.
For supporters, the main questions ahead of the first Test will include Litton’s fitness, the composition of the pace attack and how Bangladesh balance their three specialist spinners. The Mirpur pitch is likely to influence that decision, while the warm-up match should offer the coaching staff a closer look at the visiting side and Bangladesh’s reserve players.
With the opening match approaching, Bangladesh will be aiming to turn home conditions and a settled squad into a strong start. Taskin’s comeback adds depth, Litton’s potential return offers reassurance, and the WTC context gives both Tests clear importance. The final team combination will determine whether Bangladesh favour extra pace, spin or a balanced attack as they begin their campaign against West Indies.
