The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday unveiled the squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka, featuring a maiden call-up for the exciting young pacer, Nahid Rana.

The 21-year-old has impressed selectors with his raw pace and bounce, claiming 63 wickets in just 15 first-class matches since his debut in November 2021.

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The 15-man squad also sees the return of Litton Das, who missed the previous Test series. The first Test, a part of the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship cycle, begins on March 22 in Sylhet, followed by the second Test in Chattogram on March 30.

Commenting on the squad selection, Abdur Razzak, member of the National Selection Panel, expressed confidence in the team's balance and adaptability.

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“We feel that the squad picked for the first Test has a very nice balance,” Razzak said. “Our Test side is fairly settled, with Nahid Rana being the only newcomer. Litton's return bolsters the batting, and we have backups in all departments.”

Razzak further elaborated on Rana's inclusion, highlighting his potential and the opportunity presented by the absence of other pace bowlers.

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“Rana is a very exciting prospect. He is probably the quickest bowler in Bangladesh at the moment and can also extract steep bounce,” Razzak explained. “This is the right time for him and Mushfik Hasan to gain experience with Ebadot Hossain injured, and Taskin Ahmed, not playing Tests currently.”

Bangladesh squad for first Test vs Sri Lanka: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Zakir Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Litton Das, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Mushfik Hasan, Nahid Rana.