Litton Das Ruled Out Of BAN Vs ZIM Test; Replacement Announced

Litton Das [Source: AFP]

In a major setback for Bangladesh, star wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das has been ruled out of the upcoming one-off Test against Zimbabwe.

Notably, the multi-format tour will begin with a one-off Test at the Harare Sports Club before shifting to a three-match ODI series on July 6, 9, and 11 at the same venue.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed on Sunday that Litton is yet to recover from a left calf strain and will therefore miss the match, which is scheduled to begin in Harare on June 28.

What Happened To Litton Das?

Litton sustained a muscle tear while featuring in the third ODI against Australia. Although there were hopes that he would regain fitness in time for the subsequent T20I series, the injury kept him sidelined.

As a result, the experienced batter was also unavailable for Bangladesh's recently concluded three-match T20I series against Australia in Chattogram.

Who is Litton Das' Replacement For Zimbabwe One-off Test?

The BCB has announced Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan as Litton's replacement for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe.

"Das is recovering from a left calf strain and has already missed the recently concluded T20I series against Australia. The BCB Medical Team has assessed his condition and is of the opinion that the batsman will struggle to attain match fitness for the Test within the available timeframe," the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said in a statement.

"The BCB National Selection Panel has called up 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan as Das's replacement in the Test squad," it added.

It is also important to note that this is not the first time Litton has missed out. Last year, he was unavailable for the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe.

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Litton Das Expected To Miss Zimbabwe T20I Series

However, Litton's absence is expected to extend beyond the Test. The wicketkeeper-batter, along with fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, is likely to miss the T20I leg of the tour as both players have commitments in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026.

Notably, the BCB has issued No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to both players, allowing them to join their respective franchises instead of featuring in Bangladesh's three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe.

Litton will represent Galle Marvels in the LPL and will be joined by teammate Mehidy Hasan.

Bangladesh Rest Key Players For Zimbabwe Test

Talking about Bangladesh's squad for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe, the Bangladesh selectors opted to experiment by including uncapped players Towhid Hridoy and Robiul Haque.

At the same time, all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, along with pace duo Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana, has been rested for the match.

Following the Test match and ODI series, the tour will shift to Bulawayo, where Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will lock horns in a three-match T20I series on July 15, 17, and 19.

Bangladesh Test Squad For Zimbabwe Only Test: 

Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Tanzid Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahidul Islam (wk), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Towhid Hridoy, Amite Hasan, Robiul Haque

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