Shamsur Rahman joins Bangladesh squad

Shamsur Rahman, the uncapped right-handed batsman, will leave for England to join the Bangladesh Test squad which has been hit by fitness issues. Rahman, 21, was included after the captain Shakib Al Hasan was diagnosed with chicken pox and the team's leading batsman Tamim Iqbal in doubt with a wrist injury.

"The Bangladesh team management requested a batsman as a back-up and the selection committee felt Shamsur would be the right choice as he is comfortable batting anywhere in the top five and is in form," chairman of selectors Rafiqul Alam said. "He will also get ample opportunity to get acclimatised to the English conditions before the Test series starts."

Rahman was in good touch for Bangladesh A at home against South Africa A, scoring 268 runs in the two unofficial Tests, averaging 67. He was earlier part of Bangladesh's Twenty20 squad for the World Twenty20 in 2009.

Bangladesh play a three-day tour match against England Lions at Derby starting May 19, before the first Test at Lord's on May 27.