[CRK]
Mahmudul Hasan Joy Earns Recall for Ireland Test Series
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that top‑order batsman Mahmudul Hasan Joy will rejoin the national Test side for the two‑match series against Ireland, scheduled for November in Sylhet and Dhaka. Joy, who made history with Bangladesh’s first Test century on South African soil in 2022, has impressed selectors with a string of high scores in the domestic National Cricket League (NCL).
Why Joy’s Return Matters
Joy’s Test career has been a roller‑coaster. After debuting in 2022 and quickly becoming a fan favourite, he struggled to find consistency, averaging just 14.92 across seven Tests in 2024. However, his recent domestic performances – a blazing 127 and a steady 51 for Chattogram Division against Rajshahi Division – have demonstrated that the talent that once lit up the South African pitch is still very much alive.
Bangladesh’s Revised 15‑Man Squad
The squad, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, blends experience with promising newcomers. Shanto, who stepped down as captain after the June series loss to Sri Lanka, has been reinstated and will continue to lead Bangladesh until the end of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle in 2027.
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain)
- Shadman Islam
- Mahmudul Hasan Joy
- Mominul Haque
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Litton Das
- Jaker Ali
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Taijul Islam
- Khaled Ahmed
- Hasan Mahmud
- Nahid Rana
- Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury
- Hasan Murad (awaiting Test debut)
Notably omitted are Anamul Haque, Mahidul Islam Ankon and Nayeem Hasan, who featured in the Sri Lanka tour but did not make the cut for the Ireland series.
Key Milestones on the Horizon
If selected for both Tests, veteran wicket‑keeper Mushfiqur Rahim will become the first Bangladeshi cricketer to reach the 100‑Test milestone. Rahim, who debuted in 2005, already holds the records for most caps and highest run aggregate for Bangladesh in Tests. He entered the current season in fine form, scoring 115 for Sylhet Division at the same venue that will host the first Test against Ireland.
Bowling Attack: Speed and Spin Balance
Bangladesh’s pace department for the series comprises four quicks: Ebadot Hossain, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud and Khaled Ahmed. They will be supported by a trio of spinners – the experienced Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the wicket‑taking Taijul Islam, and the promising Hasan Murad, who claimed a match haul of 9/135 for Chattogram in the NCL last October. Taijul is tantalisingly close to surpassing Shakib Al Hasan as Bangladesh’s leading Test wicket‑taker, needing just ten more scalps.
Series Schedule and Context
The two Tests are not part of the ongoing WTC but serve as crucial preparation for Bangladesh ahead of the next championship cycle. The first match runs from 11–15 November at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, while the second is slated for 19–23 November at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
What Fans Can Expect
This series offers a perfect platform for Joy to cement his place back in the side and for younger talents like Hasan Murad to showcase their skill on the international stage. With a balanced attack, a seasoned batting core, and a captain eager to lead Bangladesh into a new era, the team appears well‑poised to bounce back after the recent setback against Sri Lanka.
Final Squad List
For quick reference, the complete Bangladesh Test squad for the Ireland series is as follows:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain)
- Shadman Islam
- Mahmudul Hasan Joy
- Mominul Haque
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Litton Das
- Jaker Ali
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Taijul Islam
- Khaled Ahmed
- Hasan Mahmud
- Nahid Rana
- Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury
- Hasan Murad
Supporters will be watching closely to see whether Joy’s resurgence can translate into crucial runs, and whether Bangladesh can leverage this series to build momentum for the next World Test Championship cycle.
