Bangladesh wins toss, elects to field after wet outfield delays start of 1st test against Pakistan

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto elects to field against Pakistan in rain-affected first test at Rawalpindi.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and elected to field in the first test against Pakistan after almost two sessions of play were lost due to a wet outfield at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (August 21, 2024).

Umpires Richard Kettleborough and Adrian Holdstock made four inspections after early morning rain left a few wet patches which required more than five hours to dry.

Also Read: Bangladesh looks to Shakib to ‘do something special’ against pace-heavy Pakistan

Pakistan has opted to go with all-out pace attack including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali in a hope the green-top wicket will help its fast bowlers.

All-rounder Salman Ali Agha, who bowls off-spin, is the sole spinner for Pakistan after specialist leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed was released from the first test squad.

Pakistan also preferred to give aggressive opening batter Saim Ayub another opportunity and left out uncapped Mohammad Hurraira, who has scored prolifically in the domestic season.

Bangladesh’s experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim returns to the red ball format after 10 months, but the visitors preferred to go with three fast bowlers — Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, and Nahid Rana. All-rounders Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz are the two spin options.