Akram Khan, BCB’s cricket operations chief, said that Rangana Herath will join the Bangladesh Test squad as the spin consultant for the upcoming two-match Test series in New Zealand.
On his part, Akram also noted that they are looking to ink a long-term deal with Herath. The former Sri Lanka spinner, who initially signed a contract until the end of the T20 World Cup in the UAE and Oman, isn't a part of the coaching staff for the ongoing Test series against Pakistan.
“He (Herath) is going to New Zealand and he will be a part of the team management during the two-match Test series,” Akram confirmed to Cricbuzz. “We are trying to sign a long-term contract with him, but for now he is available for the tour of New Zealand,” he added.
The opening Test is scheduled to be played at the Bay Oval in Tauranga, starting on January 1. The second Test will be played from January 9. Due to quarantine relaxation in New Zealand, Bangladesh will also get the opportunity to play a couple of two-day practice games.
Meanwhile, Akram added that they have included the uncapped Fazle Mahmud Rabbi in the 18-member squad for the upcoming tour as a replacement for Shakib Al Hasan.
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BCB earlier granted leave to the premier all-rounder after he informed them about his unavailability for the tour citing family commitments. Rabbi scored 603 runs in 11 innings, averaging 60.30 in the just concluded National Cricket League – country’s traditional first-class competition.
“Fazle Mahmud will be part of the Test squad as Shakib’s replacement and we have decided to include him as he is among the runs in the domestic circuit,” Akram said.