Rookie leggie in 14-man squad

Leg-spinner Jubair Hossain has been included in the 14-member team for the first Test against Zimbabwe which begins in Mirpur on October 25. The Bangladesh Cricket Board announced the team yesterday evening.

The 19-year-old bowler has played just two first-class matches and is going to be Bangladesh's first specialist leg-spinner to make a Test squad.

As other changes to the side that played in West Indies, pacer Shahadat Hossain has returned to the Test fold after 19 months. Top-order batsman Marshall Ayub has also returned to the team. Ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has returned from his disciplinary suspension.

Anamul Haque, Elias Sunny, Robiul Islam, Shohag Gazi, Nasir Hossain and Imrul Kayes, who all toured the Caribbean, will not feature in the first Test.

While Elias, Anamul and Nasir will be participating in an invitational tournament in India, Robiul has been dropped due to fitness issues. Imrul, whose return to Test cricket was cut short due to a skin disease in the last series, has also been dropped. Shohag, on the other hand, has been banned by the ICC over his a suspect action.

Shohag's replacement Jubair took 11 wickets in the four-day match series against Zimbabwe A last month and caused the visitors plenty of trouble.

"With Shohag not available due to suspension we felt we needed a bit of variation in our bowling and that is why Jubair is in the squad.

"He is a bright young prospect and it is always good to start at home. He has the talent in a difficult art and gives the side an interesting option despite his inexperience," explained chief selector Faruque Ahmed.

With regards to Shahadat's inclusion Faruque said, "He will bring in valuable experience and we have been impressed by the work he has put in on his fitness and bowling during the last few months. He looks motivated and hungry."

The first Test will begin at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on October 25.

FIRST TEST SQUAD

Mushfiqur Rahim (captain), Tamim Iqbal (vice-captain), Shakib Al Hasan, Shamsur Rahman, Mominul Hoque, Rubel Hossain, Shuvagata Hom, Mahmudullah Riyad, Shafiul Islam, Jubair Hossain, Shahadat Hossain, Marshall Ayub, Al-Amin Hossain, Taijul Islam.