Bangladesh Lose Wicket-Keeper Batter From Squad For South Africa Series Due To Concussion, Call Up Debutant

Bangladesh will face South Africa in the second Test without wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali, who has been ruled out due to a concussion sustained during training at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Sunday. "Jaker Ali suffered a concussion while batting in practice yesterday [Sunday]," Bangladesh's physio Bayjedul Islam Khan said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. "He has a history of concussions and is still showing symptoms. Given his previous record, recovery may take some time. Based on clinical findings, he has been ruled out of the second Test," he added.

Mahidul Islam Ankon has been called up as Jaker's replacement, marking his first inclusion in the Bangladesh Test squad.

Jaker, who scored a half-century on his Test debut in the first Test against South Africa, also has experience from 19 T20I appearances since his debut earlier this year. His absence due to injury has paved the way for Mahidul, who has been in strong form in domestic cricket, including a recent 118-run knock for Dhaka Division against Sylhet Division.

Known for his first-class contributions, including three centuries for Dhaka Division in the National Cricket League (NCL), Mahidul also represented Bangladesh A in a match against Pakistan A in August.

Additionally, Bangladesh selectors have called up fast bowler Khaled Ahmed to replace Taskin Ahmed in the squad as they prepare for the upcoming match against South Africa.

Recapping the first Test, Kagiso Rabada entered the top five of South Africa's all-time leading wicket-takers in international cricket with 536 scalps, achieving match figures of 9/72. He also became the sixth Proteas bowler to reach 300 Test wickets, achieving the milestone in record time by balls bowled.

Kyle Verreynne