SPORTS REPORTER

Bangladesh have handed maiden Test call-ups to Tanzid Tamim and Amite Hasan for the opening match of next month’s two-Test series against Pakistan, with selectors rewarding consistent performances in the longer format.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a 15-member squad on Sunday for the first Test, scheduled to begin on May 8 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The second Test will be held in Sylhet from May 16, with both matches forming part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle.

The spotlight, however, falls firmly on the two uncapped batters.

When it comes to the longer format, Amite could indeed be said to have “earned” his way into the side. A regular across competitions such as the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) and the National Cricket League (NCL), the 23-year-old has been on an upward trajectory since making his first-class debut in 2019. He has accumulated 3,650 runs in 49 matches, including 11 centuries and 17 fifties, at an average of just over 49.

“Amite has earned his call-up as he has been one of the most consistent batters in our first-class cricket. His temperament stands out and we believe it is well-suited for Test cricket. This format demands patience and discipline, and he has shown those qualities over a sustained period,” chief selector Kazi Habibul Bashar said in a BCB media release.

His progress has been underpinned by notable performances. Last year, he scored his second NCL double century, matching his career-best 213, and recently struck 162 for East Zone against Central Zone in Sylhet in the opening round of the BCL.

Tanzid’s inclusion, meanwhile, brings a different dimension. Known for his exploits in white-ball cricket and part of Bangladesh’s Under-19 World Cup-winning squad in 2020, the left-handed opener has also built a solid first-class record. He has scored 1,792 runs in 25 matches at an average of 40.

“Tanzid has been in our thoughts for Test cricket. He has a very good first-class record and we felt he deserved the opportunity to showcase his ability in Tests. He has a sound technique and plenty of natural ability. We are confident that if he gets the chance, he can perform well in the longer format,” Bashar said.

Meanwhile, Taskin Ahmed returns to the Test side after an extended absence due to injury concerns, alongside Shoriful Islam. Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan has also been recalled, having last played against Sri Lanka in June last year.

For Tanzid and Amite, the upcoming Test offers an opportunity to carry their domestic form onto the international stage and establish themselves in Bangladesh’s red-ball setup.

SQUAD

Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice Captain), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Tamim, Amite Hasan