Return of Razzak! Veteran spinner earns Bangladesh recall

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Dhaka, January 29: Bangladesh have added Abdur Razzak to their squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka, almost four years on from the veteran spinner's last five-day appearance.

After skipper Shakib Al Hasan was ruled out with a finger injury on Saturday (January 27), the Tigers called up two slow bowlers yet to be capped in Tests, Sunzamul Islam and Tanbir Hayder.

However, Bangladesh's selectors have seemingly decided additional experience is required in the spinning ranks, with Razzak, 35, becoming the 16th member of their squad for a contest that begins in Chittagong on Wednesday (January 31).

A fine performer in one-day international cricket and the first Bangladesh bowler to claim 200 wickets in the 50-over format, Razzak failed to make the same impact in 12 previous Test outings, averaging an eye-watering 67 with the ball.

His last Test cap was earned against Sri Lanka in February 2014, when he only bowled four overs after sustaining a hamstring injury on the opening day.

Source: OPTA