Mushfiqur Rahim
Mushfiq will be back to his customary wicket-keeping position after stumper-batsman Nurul Hasan performed the duties against the West Indies earlier in July this year. And in the absence of batting duo Shakib al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiq will also have to lead from the front with the bat. The diminutive lad has not enjoyed the best of times with the willow in the five-day format, registering his last half-century against Sri Lanka in January this year. It is imperative for Mushfiq to score substantial runs if Bangladesh are to go 1-0 up in the two-Test series.
Brendan Taylor
With Zimbabwe shorn of world-class performers, Taylor will have to play a key role, both with the bat and behind the stumps. Recently picked up by Khulna Titans in the players’ draft of the BPL T20, Taylor is in good form, having struck twin fifties in the recently concluded three-ODI series against Bangladesh. With Test opportunities few and far between, Zimbabwe will have to make the most of their chances, and Taylor will have to lead the charge, alongside the other senior members of the side.
Bangladesh Head to head Zimbabwe
14 Tests 14
5 Wins 6
35.71 Win % 42.85
3 Draws 3
21.42 Draw % 21.42
Habibul Bashar (578) Most runs Brendan Taylor (793)
Shakib al Hasan (137) HS Taylor (171)
Shakib (26) Most wickets Heath Streak (20)
Taijul Islam (8/39) BBI Douglas Hondo (6/59)
