|| CF DESK ||

Bangladesh experienced all-rounder Mahmudullah Riyad has included in the Test squad after 16-months for the lone Test against Zimbabwe, which is scheduled to be played from 7^th July behind closed doors at Harare Sports Club.

Earlier, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a 17-men squad, with Mahmudullah Bangladesh has now 18 members in the Test squad. BCB has confirmed the return of the veteran to the team through a press release.

"All-rounder Mahmud Ullah has been included in the Bangladesh Test squad for the Tour of Zimbabwe 2021. The Bangladesh T20 Captain makes a return to the Test team after 16 months having played his previous match in February 2020 against Pakistan. The only Test of the Tour will start from 07 July at the Harare Sports Club" press released said.

On July 3-4, Bangladesh will play a two-day practice match, followed by the lone Test on July 7. The tourists will play a 50-over warm-up game on July 14 before the ODI series.

Bangladesh will also play a three-match one-day international series that forms part of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League and three T20 internationals in Zimbabwe.

Mahmudullah has been exclusively playing white-ball cricket for Bangladesh for more than a year and didn't feature in the annual red-ball contract last season. Tiger T20I captain last played Test against Pakistan on February 2020.

"We had an emergency meeting yesterday. We have seen some injury problems. Tamim has a little pain in his leg, Mushfiqur has a little problem in his finger. Since it is a long tour in Zimbabwe and now the situation is difficult but we are not at risk. That’s why we have increased the squad a little," Banglaesh Cricket Board director Akram Khan said to media.

"We are not taking risks. We are 80 percent sure they will play. We are talking about Mushfiqur, Mushfiqur may need a backup. If the team management wants more batsmen to play, then so be it" he added.

Updated Test Squad: