Shakib asks for 6-month break from Tests

Bangladesh's ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has asked to be given a six-month break from Test cricket, saying that he needs a rest in order to stay fresh in the long run.

Bangladesh Cricket Board media committee chairman Jalal Yunus informed The Daily Star of this development this evening. "We have received a letter from Shakib to the effect that he wants a six-month break from Test cricket with a view to staying fresh for the long term. The board is yet to decide whether to grant the request."

This development comes at a time when the BCB are set to name a 15-man Test squad to tour South Africa, with the squad scheduled to depart for Johannesburg on September 16. It was learnt that Shakib is unlikely to be a part of the Test squad for the two-Test series in South Africa. 

Shakib -- the world's top-ranked all-rounder in all formats -- is a core member, and has recently been made the T20I captain. He also turned in a stellar performance in the historic win in the first Test against Australia in late August, taking a 10-wicket haul and hitting 84 in the first innings of his 50th Test. 

Apart from the South Africa Tests, Bangladesh are also scheduled to host Sri Lanka for a Test series within the next six months.