Bangladesh’s star player Shakib Al Hasan is back in action after recovering from an eye problem. He took a break from cricket for some time but is now returning to play. Hasan Mahmud, a new player, is making his Test debut for the Tigers. They are hoping to do better after losing the first Test by a big margin.
Shakib hasn’t played a Test match in almost a year. The last time he played was against Ireland in April 2023. In this match, Bangladesh made two changes from their last game. Hasan Mahmud came in for Shoriful Islam, and Shakib replaced Nahid Rana.
Hasan Mahmud has played in 22 ODIs and 17 T20Is for Bangladesh. Bangladesh chose three spinners and two pacers for this match. Shakib, along with Mehedi Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, will handle spin, while Khaled Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud will lead the pace attack.
Bangladesh’s head coach, Chandika Hathurusingha, couldn’t be with the team this time due to personal reasons. Assistant coach Nic Pothas is leading the team.
Sri Lanka also has a change in their lineup. Kasun Rajitha got injured in the last match and has been replaced by Asitha Fernando.
Playing XIs:
Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Shahadat Hossain, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud
Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kamindu Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando