The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the squad for the upcoming Test series against Australia, with Soumya Sarkar and Zakir Ali Anik making their return while pacer Mushfik Hasan earns a surprise call-up. However, key players Litton Das and Nahid Rana have been left out of the squad for the opening Test.

The squad was announced on Sunday (July 26) ahead of the highly anticipated Test series against Australia. Experienced batter Soumya Sarkar has returned to the Test setup after a long absence and is expected to partner Sadman Islam at the top of the order. His return comes at the expense of Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who has been dropped from the squad.

Wicketkeeper-batter Zakir Ali Anik has also been recalled after a lengthy gap, while Amit Hasan has been included as another wicketkeeping option. The squad also features young pacer Mushfik Hasan as a surprise inclusion.

Bangladesh will rely on a strong pace attack, with five pacers named in the squad-Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain, Syed Khaled Ahmed and Mushfik Hasan. Vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam are the two specialist spinners included.

Bangladesh Test Squad:

Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Sadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Zakir Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Amit Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Mushfik Hasan and Taskin Ahmed.

Players Dropped:

Mahidul Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Towhid Hridoy, Nayeem Hasan and Rabiul Haque.

Players Returning:

Soumya Sarkar, Zakir Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed and Mushfik Hasan.