Rahim and Razzak recalled to Test squad

Mushfiqur Rahim is the second wicketkeeper in Bangladesh's Test squad © AFP

Mushfiqur Rahim and Abdur Razzak have been recalled to Bangladesh's Test squad for the tour of Sri Lanka later this month and former captain Habibul Bashar has kept his place as a batsman.

Rahim, who was the specialist wicketkeeper in Bangladesh's World Cup squad, was dropped for the home Test series against India in favour of veteran Khaled Mashud. Rahim's inclusion is further proof of the faith reposed in him by the selectors, though he will face stiff competition from Mahmud.

"We selected Rahim because of his all-round abilities," said chief selector Faruq Ahmed. "He is a stand-by wicketkeeper and a good middle-order batsman. He has already played two Tests as a batsman."

Razzak, despite being a fixture in the one-day side, did not find a place against India either. Tushar Imran and Enamul Haque jnr are the two omitted players from the Test squad against India. "Razzak had a very good World Cup. He is ninth in the one-day rankings," added Ahmed. "So naturally, we thought he should be given chances in the longer version of the game.

Mohammad Ashraful, recently announced as captain for both the Test and ODI sides, will lead Bangladesh in three Tests and ODIS against Sri Lanka. Tushar, Aftab Ahmed, Tamim Iqbal, Farhad Reza and rookie medium-pacer Mahmudullah will join the side for the one-day leg of the tour.

The first Test starts on June 25 in Colombo.

Bangladesh Test squad: Mohammad Ashraful (capt), Mashrafe Mortaza (vice-capt), Habibul Bashar, Javed Omer, Mehrab Hossain jnr, Shahriar Nafees, Rajin Saleh, Shakib Al Hasan, Khaled Mashud (wk), Shahadat Hossain, Syed Rasel, Mohammed Rafique, Abdur Razzak, Mohammad Sharif, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk).