Bangladesh name 15-member squad for West Indies Tests; Taskin Ahmed returns

Bangladesh Name 15-Member Squad for First West Indies Test

Bangladesh have announced a 15-player squad for the opening Test against the West Indies, with fast bowler Taskin Ahmed returning to the red-ball side and wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das declared fit. The first match begins on October 28 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, launching a two-Test series that offers both teams an early opportunity to build momentum in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27.

Najmul Hossain Shanto will captain Bangladesh, while all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been named vice-captain. Bangladesh are currently fourth in the WTC standings and will be looking to make home conditions count as they pursue valuable championship points. The team’s balance combines experienced Test batters, a four-man pace group and three specialist spin options.

Taskin Ahmed Returns to Strengthen the Pace Attack

Taskin’s inclusion is one of the most notable changes to the squad. He missed Bangladesh’s one-off Test against Afghanistan earlier this month, but is now back in contention for the West Indies series. His pace and experience could give the hosts an important option, particularly if the Mirpur surface offers assistance to seamers early in the match.

Khaled Ahmed, who featured in the previous Test assignment, has been left out. Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain and left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam retain their places, giving Bangladesh four specialist fast bowlers to choose from. Their variety may help Shanto adjust his attack to the conditions, the match situation and the West Indies batting lineup.

Nahid Rana remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a longstanding injury. His absence removes another promising pace option, making the fitness and workload management of the selected quicks especially important across a demanding two-Test schedule.

Litton Das Fit as Bangladesh Reshape Their Batting Options

Litton Das is available again after missing Bangladesh’s recent tri-nation white-ball series in the United Arab Emirates because of a hip bone injury. His return adds an experienced wicketkeeper and a proven batting option to the squad. If selected in the starting XI, Litton could provide flexibility in the middle order as well as behind the stumps.

Jaker Ali Anik has also been included as the reserve wicketkeeper. He has been gaining valuable leadership experience, captaining the BCB XI in a two-day warm-up match against the touring West Indies side. That preparation gives him an opportunity to work in match conditions before the Test series begins.

The batting group includes established Test performers Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque, alongside Tawhid Hridoy. Soumya Sarkar, who was part of the recent Test assignment against Afghanistan, has been omitted. His absence leaves the selectors with a different combination to consider as they settle on the middle order and supporting batting roles.

Shadman Islam and Tanzid Hasan Lead the Opening Choices

Shadman Islam and left-handed batter Tanzid Hasan are the specialist opening options named in the squad. Their selection gives Bangladesh a choice between different batting styles at the top of the order. A steady start could be particularly valuable in Mirpur, where building partnerships and managing the early overs may shape the course of the match.

Bangladesh’s spin resources are led by vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, with left-arm spinner Taijul Islam and off-spinner Nayeem Hasan also included. The trio gives the hosts several options if the pitch begins to turn or deteriorate as the Test progresses. Miraz’s all-round contribution could be central to the team’s balance, allowing Bangladesh to strengthen either the batting or bowling department depending on the final XI.

Nayeem has earned a place in the main squad after initially being named as a reserve for the Afghanistan Test before moving into the wider group. His inclusion adds another specialist option for home conditions, although Bangladesh’s final spin combination will depend on the surface and the match plan.

West Indies Tests: Schedule and Match Prediction Factors

The first Test will be played in Mirpur from October 28 to November 1. The teams will then travel to Sylhet, where the second Test is scheduled to begin on November 5 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. With the series split between two venues, conditions may differ from one match to the next, placing added importance on selection and adaptation.

Any prediction for the opening Test will depend on more than Bangladesh’s home advantage. The fitness of Taskin and Litton, the effectiveness of the pace attack, and the ability of the batters to build substantial first-innings totals could all influence the result. The West Indies, meanwhile, will look to disrupt Bangladesh’s plans and make the most of any opportunity to take early wickets or apply pressure through sustained partnerships.

For Bangladesh, the squad announcement points to a strategy built around experience and flexibility. Shanto’s leadership, the return of key players and the range of bowling options give the hosts several possible combinations. The final team selection will provide a clearer indication of whether Bangladesh expect pace, spin or batting depth to be the decisive factor in Mirpur.

Bangladesh Squad for the First Test

Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Hasan Mahmud, Jaker Ali Anik, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vice-captain), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nayeem Hasan, Shadman Islam, Shoriful Islam, Taijul Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Taskin Ahmed and Tawhid Hridoy.