Bangladesh have named their 16-man Test squad for the two-match away series against South Africa, with uncapped opening batter Mahfijul Islam earning his first senior call-up and veteran batter Mohammad Naim returning to the fold after a four-year absence. The series opens in Johannesburg on 15 November 2026.

Key Inclusions

Mahfijul Islam, also known as Robin, has been in outstanding form in the ongoing National Cricket League first-class tournament, amassing 672 runs in 10 innings — a tally that includes three centuries and a double hundred. The right-handed opener fills a specific positional need for Bangladesh at the top of the order.

Mohammad Naim has also impressed in the same competition, scoring 612 runs in just seven innings, with a double century and two further hundreds. Naim's solitary Test cap came back in 2022 against New Zealand, making this recall a significant personal comeback.

What the Selectors Said

Chief selector Habibul Bashar explained the rationale behind the choices after announcing the squad. 'We brought in (Mahfijul) Robin because we felt it was crucial to have a right-handed opener,' Bashar said. 'It is something we had been looking for for a while. We didn't really have anyone else ready, and we wanted to give Robin a bit more time to prepare. I believe he has proven himself; he looked very promising in first-class cricket and in the emerging team matches.'

On Naim's return, Bashar added: 'We sent Naim to South Africa (for the A series), where he looked very good. He has been batting exceptionally well in first-class cricket recently. Based on his performance in the recent South Africa series and his first-class form, he appears to be in great shape, which is why we've included him.'

Bashar also confirmed that opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy was considered but had to be ruled out at the last minute. 'To be honest, we had another opener in mind — Mahmudul Hasan Joy — which is why there was a slight delay in announcing the squad. Unfortunately, Joy was ruled out yesterday afternoon due to medical reasons,' he said.

Notable Absences

Star fast bowler Nahid Rana remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a labrum tear. Shadman Islam was ruled out after sustaining an ankle injury during the ongoing second Test against West Indies at home — his absence directly opened the door for Naim's return. Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan and wicketkeeper-batter Amite Hasan, both part of the West Indies series squad, also missed the cut.

Recalls and Returns

Fast bowler Khaled Ahmed has been recalled to the squad, while experienced batter Mominul Haque — who missed the second West Indies Test due to a concussion — has been included. Both Mahfijul and Naim travelled to South Africa earlier this year with Bangladesh's A and emerging sides respectively, giving the management first-hand knowledge of their readiness for conditions there.

Series Schedule

The first Test begins in Johannesburg on 15 November, with the second match set for Centurion from 23 November. The Test leg will be followed by three ODIs and three T20Is. Najmul Hossain Shanto leads the side, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz named vice-captain.

Full squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mohammad Naim, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vice-captain), Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Mahfijul Islam.