Shakib Out for First Test Against South Africa; Hasan Murad Steps In as Replacement

October 20, 2024

Shakib Out for First Test Against South Africa; Hasan Murad Steps In as Replacement

Shakib Al Hasan’s Test career may be coming to an end, as the upcoming Test match against South Africa in Dhaka was supposed to be his farewell game. However, he has withdrawn from the match due to travel issues. While traveling from New York to Dhaka, Shakib was delayed in Dubai and could not reach home in time. He has been replaced in the squad by 23-year-old left-arm spinner Hasan Murad for the Test starting October 21.

Shakib, who is a member of the Awami League and an MP, has faced protests and political unrest in Dhaka since the resignation of the government in early August. He has been out of the country since then, having played in Canada and the UK before traveling to India for two Tests. Due to ongoing safety concerns, he moved to New York. Additionally, he has been named in a police report regarding an alleged murder linked to the unrest.

Hasan Murad, who will take Shakib’s place, has taken 136 wickets in 30 first-class matches since his debut in 2021 and has also played two T20 internationals during the Asian Games last year.

“We have been informed that Shakib is unavailable for the first Test,” chairman of BCB’s national selection panel Gazi Ashraf Hossain said in a press release. “He is at the end of his Test career but along with his experience, we still do not have someone of that calibre with both bat and the ball to replace him.

“However, Hasan Murad has performed consistently in first-class cricket and has been in our system. He will lend balance to our bowling, especially in home conditions. We believe he has the potential to deliver at this level.”

The second Test between Bangladesh and South Africa will be played in Chattogram from October 29.

Wickramasinghe Ready to Make ODI Debut Against West Indies

In preparation for the three-match ODI series against the West Indies, Sri Lanka has made some changes to its squad. Uncapped fast-bowling allrounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe has been included, replacing Chamika Karunaratne, while leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay comes in for off-spinner Akila Dananjaya.

Karunaratne’s omission suggests that he has fallen out of favor with the new selection and coaching team. He last played for Sri Lanka during the 2023 ODI World Cup, despite being named in several squads since then. His decline coincides with Wickramasinghe’s rise, who had strong performances with the bat during the Lanka Premier League in July. Wickramasinghe participated in the first T20I match against the West Indies, but he was replaced by Dunith Wellalage due to the spin-friendly conditions.

Additionally, Mohamed Shiraz, who was a late addition to the squad for the series against India as a replacement for injured players Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka, has retained his spot. Madushanka returns to the squad after missing the T20I series against the West Indies, but Pathirana, who played in all three T20Is, is not included this time. Asitha Fernando completes the pace bowling options for the team.

Sri Lanka’s spin-bowling attack will be formidable, led by Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, with Jeffrey Vandersay and Dunith Wellalage providing additional options.

The batting lineup remains unchanged, featuring skipper Charith Asalanka alongside strong players such as Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Nishan Madushka.

The three-match ODI series against the West Indies begins on October 20, with all games taking place in Pallekele.

Sri Lanka T20I squad for the series against West Indies

Charith Asalanka (Captain)

Avishka Fernando

Pathum Nissanka

Kusal Mendis

Kamindu Mendis

Janith Liyanage

Sadeera Samarawickrama

Nishan Madushka

Dunith Wellalage

Wanindu Hasaranga

Maheesh Theekshana

Jeffrey Vandersay

Chamindu Wickramasinghe

Asitha Fernando

Dilshan Madushanka

Mohamed Shiraz

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Katarzyna Nowak

Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for IPLWin365 (IPL365 News), she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.