Shamsur gets Tigers call

Bangladesh have called uncapped batsman Shamsur Rahman into the national squad for their tour of England.

Batsman brought in as cover for Tamim and Shakib

Bangladesh have called uncapped batsman Shamsur Rahman into the national squad for their tour of England. The right-hander has been included as cover for Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan, who are currently suffering from injury and illness respectively. Tamim has been cleared to play in the warm-up matches and upcoming Test series, despite his ongoing struggles with a hand injury. Captain Shakib should be available for the first Test on May 27 after contracting chickenpox, but the team management have asked selectors for a standby. Chairman of the selection committee Rafiqul Alam says Shamsur's versatility and current form will make him an able stand-in. He said: "In view of the injury to Tamim Iqbal and the sickness of captain Shakib Al Hasan, who is down with chickenpox, the Bangladesh team management requested for a batsman as a back-up and the selection committee felt Shamsur would be the right choice as he is comfortable batting anywhere in the top five and is in form. "He will also get ample opportunity to get acclimatised to the English conditions before the Test series starts." Shamsur was due to join the touring party on Sunday night but his trip was cancelled due to the disruption caused by a volcanic ash cloud.