Shakib returns for Zim Tests

Dhaka - Bangladesh cricket authorities on Friday announced the return of Shakib Al Hasan in the upcoming Test series against Zimbabwe after the star-allrounder recovered from a shinbone injury.

Bangladesh will play two Tests, three one-dayers and two Twenty20 matches during their month-long tour of Zimbabwe, with the first Test starting at Harare Sports Club on April 17.

Shakib, the 25-year-old former national captain who underwent an operation in Australia in February, might play only as a batsman in the first Test as he is on a rehab programme, chief selector Akram Khan said.

"We do not want to take any risks over Shakib's injury, so he will play as a batsman in the first Test, but from the second he will be able bowl as well," Khan said.

Shakib has played 28 Test matches, scoring 1 835 runs at an average of 35.98 and bagged 102 wickets. He has scored 3 635 runs at 35.63 average in 126 one-dayers and claimed 160 wickets.

Opener Tamim Iqbal, who hurt his wrist during the just concluded Sri Lanka series, has been included in the side, but his chance to play in the first Test depends on his improvement.

Pace bowler Sajedul Islam has made a comeback to the Test side after four years to replace injured Abul Hasan. Islam played two Tests against New Zealand in 2009.

"We have recalled Islam because of his recent impressive performance," Khan said, adding that pace spearhead Mashrafe Mortaza was not included because he was unfit.

Batsman Shahriar Nafees and spinner Enamul Haque, who were named in the Sri Lanka series but later ruled out due to injuries, have been recalled for the Zimbabwe series.

Test squad: Mushfiqur Rahim (captain), Mohammad Mahmudullah, Tamim Iqbal, Shahriar Nafees, Jahurul Islam, Mohammad Ashraful, Shakib Al Hasan, Mominul Hoque, Nasir Hossain, Sohag Gazi, Rubel Hossain, Shahadat Hossain, Enamul Haque, Robiul Islam, Sajedul Islam.