Mirpur, October 23: Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed has made a significant return to Bangladesh's squad for the first of two crucial Test matches against the West Indies, set to begin on October 28 in Mirpur. Taskin was rested during Bangladesh's previous Test against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, a match that ended in a heroic draw for Afghanistan. His inclusion comes at the expense of Khaled Ahmed, strengthening the pace attack.

Adding further depth, white-ball captain Litton Das, who had been sidelined due to a hip injury during the ODI tri-series in the UAE, has also been named in the 15-member team. However, Soumya Sarkar has been dropped from the squad, having warmed the benches in recent fixtures and last playing a Test over five years ago in February 2021. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who battled a viral fever during the tri-series, also returns to bolster the team.

Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead a balanced squad featuring three specialist spinners—Mehidy, Taijul Islam, and Nayeem Hasan—alongside four pacers: Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, and the returning Taskin Ahmed. Nahid Rana remains absent, recovering from a side strain. These two Tests are vital for Bangladesh's aspirations in the World Test Championship 2027, where they currently stand fourth with three wins from six matches, holding a PCT of 55.56%.

Bangladesh squad for the first Test against the West Indies: Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Taskin Ahmed, Jaker Ali, Litton Das (wk), Mominul Haque, Tanzid Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Tawhid Hridoy, Shadman Islam, Shoriful Islam, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nayeem Hasan.

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