Dhaka:Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto decided to bat first after winning the toss in the opening Test of the two-match series against the West Indies at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh's highest scorer in Test cricket, has been ruled out due to a hand injury, which is a significant setback for the team. However, wicket-keeper batter Liton Das has returned to the squad after recovering from a hip injury that kept him out of the recent tri-series ODI in the UAE.
Bangladesh is aiming to secure a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the first time. Currently ranked fourth in the WTC standings, they must win at least four of their remaining six matches and draw one to maintain their hopes of reaching the final. Their final two WTC series after the West Indies involve a tour of South Africa and hosting England, making the challenge formidable. A series win against the West Indies, who are eighth in the standings, could enhance Bangladesh's position.
To strengthen their spin attack, Bangladesh included offspinner Nayeem Hasan in the playing XI, alongside fellow offspinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz and left-arm spinner Taijul Islam. West Indies, on the other hand, aim to conclude their WTC series positively with a win in Bangladesh. All-rounder Justin Greaves, who overcame an injury scare, has been named in their playing XI, providing relief to the side.
The line-ups for the match are as follows Bangladesh includes Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Liton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Taijul Islam, Towhid Hridoy, and Shoriful Islam. The West Indies line-up features John Campbell, Brandon King, Tagnarine Chanderpaul, Kevam Hodge, Amir Jangoo, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase, Shamar Joseph, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seals, and Jomel Warrican.