Bangladesh have been playing Test cricket over the past twenty years. Many of the tigers’ top players have represented the country in Test cricket. So far, 98 Bangladeshi cricketers have competed in Test format. Therefore, it's difficult to choose the best playing XI from among them. In this case, stats were given preference in order to select the best XI. However, some may be dissatisfied with this XI as it's possible that one or two of your favorite players may not find a place in this team. Let’s take a look at Bangladesh’s Greatest XI in Test cricket-based only on Stats.
The players who made the final cut in Bangladesh’s greatest Test XI
1) Tamim Iqbal
M: 64* | Runs: 4,764* | HS: 206 | Ave: 39.70 | 100s: 09
The first name on the list came as no surprise. Tamim Iqbal has emerged as Bangladesh's best opener in all formats during their first 20 years of Test cricket history. The dashing left-hander is without a doubt the Tigers' most prolific run-scorer and an obvious choice for the opening spot. He has amassed nearly 5,000 runs at an average of almost 40 since making his Test debut back in 2008.
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2) ImrulKayes
M: 39 | Runs: 1,797 | HS: 150 | Ave: 24.28 | 100s: 03
Bangladesh have always struggled to find a reliable opening pair. ImrulKayes, Javed Omar, and ShahriarNafees were the frontrunners for the spot. But we're going for ImrulKayes, who made a record-breaking 312-run opening partnership with Tamim Iqbal against Pakistan in 2015.
3) MominulHaque
M: 44* | Runs: 3,247 | HS: 181 | Ave: 42.72 | 100s: 11
The current Test captain and Bangladesh's most prolific batsman in the longer version format over the past few years, MominulHaque is the only suitable contender for the position. The left-handed top-order batsman even enjoys batting at No. 3. Mominul always scores big when he's in top form.
4) Mushfiqur Rahim
M: 74* | Runs: 4,645 | HS: 219* | Ave: 37.16 | 100s: 07
Mushfiqur Rahim is Bangladesh's most experienced middle-order batsman in all three formats. His track record speaks for itself, which is why he's known as Mr. Dependable. He holds the record of the highest Test scorer (219) in an innings for Bangladesh. He is also the most successful wicket-keeper of Bangladesh cricket history.
5) Mohammad Ashraful
M: 61 | Runs: 2,737 | HS: 190 | Ave: 24.00 | 100s: 06
At number five, we've picked Mohammad Ashraful, arguably Bangladesh cricket's most controversial figure. Despite many scandals, Ashraful's importance to the Bangladesh cricket team cannot be overlooked. He became the youngest Test centurion in history on his debut against Sri Lanka in 2001.
6) Shakib Al Hasan
M: 57 | Runs: 3,930 | HS: 217 | Ave:39.69 | 100s: 05 | Wkts: 210 | BBI: 7/36 | Ave: 31.20
Bangladesh's best all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been placed in the number six position. He is the third-highest run-scorer for Bangladesh in the Test format. Shakib is the only Bangladeshi to scalp more than 200 Test wickets. So, he is an automatic choice on the list.
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7) Mohammad Rafique
M: 33 | Runs: 1,059 | HS: 111 | Ave:18.57 | 100s: 01 | Wkts: 100 | BBI: 6/77 | Ave: 40.76
One of the greatest spinners of Bangladesh cricket is Mohammad Rafique. He was hugely popular among Bangladesh cricket fans in the late 90s. Mohammad Rafique is the first Bangladeshi bowler to scalp 100 Test wickets. He was a useful batsman in the late middle order, and also was best known for his six-hitting ability.
8) MehidyHasanMiraz
M: 26* | Runs: 855 | HS: 103 | Ave:20.35 | 100s: 01 | Wkts: 103 | BBI: 7/58 | Ave: 34.25
Mehdi HasanMiraj has been included in the squad as an all-rounder. Miraj achieved international fame in 2016 after helping Bangladesh in winning a Test match against England. He has been a regular member of Bangladesh's Test squad since then. Miraj reached the milestone of 100 Test wickets in just 24 Tests.
9) MashrafeMortaza
M: 36 | Wkts: 78 | BBI: 6/77 | Ave: 41.52
Our first choice for the pace attack is Narail Express MashrafeMortaza. Mashrafe is Bangladesh's first genuine pace bowler, with a top speed of 140 km/h. Due to a series of injuries, he couldn't prolong his Test career but his prowess and class are undeniable.
10) Taijul Islam
M: 33* | Wkts: 130 | BBI: 8/39 | Ave: 33.45
Taijul Islam is Bangladesh's second-most successful Test bowler. He has taken 130* Test wickets for the Tigers' so far. Taijul also holds the record of highest wicket-taker (8/39) in an innings for Bangladesh. On a slow pitch, the left-arm orthodox spinner is a lethal bowler. He is capable of checking the run rates.
11) Shahadat Hossain
M: 38 | Wkts: 72 | BBI: 6/27 | Ave: 51.81
Shahadat Hossain is Bangladesh's second-most successful fast bowler in the Tests. As a result, he's our first choice for Mashrafe's bowling partner. He gave it all during his stint on Bangladesh's national side especially in many difficult conditions, which is really admirable.
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Bottom Line
Some of Bangladesh's star players have been left out of this Test XI. On the other hand, the selected players have earned their place on the list because they have great records in the longer version format. Overall, this is Bangladesh’s Greatest XI in Test cricket-based only on Stats.