New cap named in Bangladesh squad

Bangladesh have included an uncapped 19-year-old batsman, Rajin Saleh, in their 15-man squad for the forthcoming Test series against Pakistan.

Saleh, who usually bats at No. 3, has a first-class average of 47.27 from 20 matches, and has scored five centuries in his career to date. He is the only new face in the squad, although the fast bowler Alamgir Kabir returns after playing just a single wicketless Test in July 2002.

"Pakistan are difficult to beat in their own conditions. They are clearly favourites," admitted Bangladesh's coach Dav Whatmore, although he insisted that Bangladesh would put up a good fight. "We had a difficult series in Australia and had interesting times, but it should be put behind us now and we should convert them into good performances. It comes down to players to take responsibility and show the desire to be involved."

The first of three Tests begins in Karachi on Wednesday.

Squad Khaled Mahmud (capt), Hannan Sarkar, Javed Omar, Habibul Bashar, Sanwar Hossain, Mohammad Ashraful, Rajin Saleh, Alok Kapali, Mohammad Rafique, Khaled Mashud (wk), Tapash Baisya, Monjural Islam, Anwar Hossain, Alamgir Kabir, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza.