Shakib Al Hasan Ruled Out Of First Sri Lanka Test: Shakib Al Hasan has come back positive for COVID-19 and therefore will not participate in the first Test versus Sri Lanka. The 35-year-old arrived from the United States on May 9 but was unable to join the team in Chattogram since he had to fly back home. For another 5 days, he will be placed in isolation. His departure will be a significant loss for the home country, as he brings a great deal to the team in terms of both batting and bowling prowess.

The opening Test involving Bangladesh and Sri Lanka begins on May 15th at Chattogram, with the final Test on May 23rd in Dhaka. Both matches will count towards the World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle.

Shakib will drop from Tests versus Sri Lanka

“Shakib Al Hasan tested COVID positive and will not be available for the opening Test against Sri Lanka,” confirmed Jalal Yunus, BCB’s cricket operation chairman.

Shakib will forego the first of 2 Tests versus Sri Lanka, according to Bangladesh Cricket Board operating head Jalal Yunus. His family’s health difficulties forced Shakib to come back home just after ODIs in South Africa. As a match-winner in all forms, he is a valuable asset to the Bangladesh side.

Due to a concussion sustained during the Dhaka Premier League, Mehidy Hasan Miraz will miss the first Test. Taskin Ahmed is still healing from a shoulder injury. Dimuth Karunaratne’s squad has only managed to play 2 Test series during the present World Test Championship cycle. As of now, they are placed 5th in the points rankings, with a win rate of 50%.

Bangladesh Test Squad: Mominul Haque (Captain), Tamim Iqbal Khan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Kumar Das, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury,  Taijul Islam, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Qazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Shohidul Islam, Shoriful Islam (subject to fitness)

Sri Lanka Test Squad: Dimuth Karunaratne(Captain), Kamil Mishara, Oshada Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Ramesh Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, Dinesh Chandimal, Chamika Karunaratne, Sumida Lakshan, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Praveen Jayawickrama, Lasith Embuldeniya