Selector Hannan Sarkar said Shakib was selected only after BCB gave its approval.
“Shakib has expressed his desire to play the last Test at home. We also know that this is a government matter and a BCB matter. We have sought permission from the BCB, so when we got the green signal that Shakib can opt, we gave him the option. We are proud to see our legend retire in the home of cricket.
Shakib is one of the four spin bowling options in the team along with Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nayeem Hasan. Almost everyone who participated in the recent tours of Pakistan and India was included in this squad. However, fast bowler Khaled Ahmed was selected to play for Kanpur but bowled only 4 overs.
Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan opened in all four Tests, with Mahmudul Hasan Joy as the back-up. Mominul Haque and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto can continue to bat at number 3 and number 4 rather than the other way around as Mominul has hit a century at number 3. Shakib, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das and Mehidy rounded out the long run of Bangladesh batting. Taijul is usually selected in home Tests ahead of the third seamer. Nahid Rana’s pace may be tempting, but Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud should be the first choices.
Bangladesh national team for first Test against SA
Nazmul Hossein Shanto (Captain), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Ritten Das, Jaker Ali, Mehidi Hasan, Taizul Islam, Naeem Hassan, Takin Ahmed, Hassan Mahmoud, Nahid Rana.
