Naim Sheikh Returns as Robin Earns Maiden National Call-Up for South Africa Tour
Sadman Islam has been ruled out with an ankle injury sustained during the Sylhet Test against the West Indies. The injury will keep him out of the field for more than a month, which is why he will not play in the South Africa tour. Naim Sheikh has returned to the side in his place, while Mahfizul Islam Robin has earned his first call-up to the national team.
Several openers were under consideration for the Africa Tests. Among them, Mahfizul Islam Robin was at the front. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has now announced the squad with him in it.
Chief selector Habibul Bashar Suman explained why Robin was picked. He said, 'We have been looking for a right-handed opener for a long time, and looking at Mahfizul, he seems ready. We had to take this risk. Since he did well for the A team in South Africa, he has been kept in the squad.'
The chief selector said Robin was trusted because of his good performances for the A team in South Africa. With the selectors searching for a right-handed opener and finding Robin ready, they took the risk of including him in the squad.
On Naim Sheikh's return to Tests, Bashar said, 'I admit the matter of Soumya Sarkar; I had picked him in the team as an opener. We could not give him an opportunity. But we are worried about his current form.'
The chief selector admitted that although Soumya Sarkar had been picked as an opener, he could not be given an opportunity, and the selectors are worried about his current form.
The chief selector added, 'Injured Sadman is not there for the South Africa series. I had thought about Joy, but Joy is also injured. Naim Sheikh has been picked; he is in form.'
Bashar said Mahmudul Hasan Joy was unfortunately ruled out yesterday (8 November) afternoon for medical reasons. He said another opener had also been on his mind.
With both Sadman and Joy injured, Robin has got his chance as a new face in the South Africa tour squad, while the in-form Naim Sheikh has returned.
