Mahfizul picked in search for a right-handed opener, Naim rewarded for form

Mahfizul Islam Robin and Naim Sheikh have earned places in the squad for the Test series on the South Africa tour. The selectors see two different reasons behind picking the two players.

Mahfizul was chosen as part of a plan to develop a right-handed opener and reduce the dominance of left-handed batters in the Test team's top order. Naim, on the other hand, has been rewarded for his consistency in domestic cricket.

Chief selector Habibul Bashar said Naim was picked not only for his domestic runs but also considering his recent performance and preparation. In Mahfizul's case, the selectors' confidence grew after watching his performances in first-class cricket and for Bangladesh 'A'.

Both batsmen were in prolific form in the current season of the National Cricket League (NCL). Mahfizul scored 672 runs in five matches, while Naim collected 612. They occupy the top two places in the tournament's highest run-scorers' list. Mahfizul's highest innings is 217, Naim's 282.

Explaining Mahfizul's selection, Habibul Bashar said: 'We had been looking for a right-handed opener from the very beginning. Because our top order has an excess of left-handed batsmen. We wanted to take a little time with Robin so that he could prepare himself. Watching him in first-class cricket and 'A' team matches, he looked very promising. His batting now also looks much more organised. So we feel this is the best time to groom him.'

For Naim, though, the selectors gave the most weight to recent performance. The chief selector said: 'We had sent Naim to South Africa. He looked very good there. Now he is also batting very well in first-class cricket; he is the top scorer. We have seen him before. But combining the South Africa series and his first-class performances, it seems he is in very good form now. That is why he has been picked.'

Before these two, the selectors had also considered Mahmudul Hasan Joy. But he is unavailable at the last moment due to injury. Soumya Sarkar had been picked earlier, but the selectors were not satisfied with his recent first-class performances. In Habibul's view, Naim is more ready to play Tests at this moment.

Asked whether there is a long-term plan for Naim's Test career, the chief selector said it is the cricketer's responsibility to make use of the opportunity once it comes. He said: 'We will plan. But the player has to respond. Many cricketers have proved themselves after getting a chance as a backup. The example of Towhid Hridoy is before us. Had Mominul played, Hridoy might not have got the chance. But he grabbed that opportunity with both hands. Naim has surely been picked because he is expected to do well.'

Naim Sheikh has returned to the Test squad after four years. And Mahfizul Islam Robin has been called up to the national team for the first time. Both now have the chance to prove themselves in the Test series on the South Africa tour.

For the two batsmen who earned their places by scoring heavily in domestic cricket, the big challenge now is to carry that consistency onto the international stage.