Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan set to miss South Africa Tests
Ace Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will reportedly miss his country's two-match Test series against South Africa in March-April 2022. BCB cricket operation chairman Jalal Yunus informed about the development on Friday. Shakib will feature in the three-match ODI series, which precedes the Tests. Meanwhile, the ODI series will take place from March 18 to 23. Here are further details.
Why does this story matter?
Post the ODIs, Shakib will leave SA to feature in the Indian Premier League (if picked by any team during the mega players' auction). He is expected to feature in two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in May. Notably, the 34-year-old was not a part of the Bangladesh side during their Test series against New Zealand last month.
Jalal Yunus on Shakib's unavailability
"Shakib will certainly play the ODIs against South Africa," Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) cricket operation chairman Jalal Yunus was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. "He did not say anything regarding his availability for the Test series (versus South Africa). But, he informed that he will be available for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka," Yunus added.
Bangladesh tour of South Africa schedule
The first ODI will be played on March 18 in Centurion. The second game is scheduled to take place on March 20 in Johannesburg. The last ODI will be held in Centurion on March 23. The opening Test between the two sides is scheduled to take place from March 31 to April 4. The second Test will kick off on April 8.
A look at Shakib's Test stats
So far, Shakib has represented Bangladesh in 59 Tests. He has scored 4,029 runs at an average of 39.50. He has struck five hundreds and 26 fifties in the format. Shakib has also picked 215 wickets in the red-ball format at 31.30. His highest score in the format is 217 and his best bowling in innings (BBI) is 7/36.
