DHAKA, Nov 28, 2023 (BSS) - Middle order batter Shahadat Hossain Dipu made his debut for Bangladesh as the 102nd Test player as the side's captain Najmul Hossain Shanto opted to bat first after winning the toss in the two-match Test series opener against New Zealand at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.

Dipu has been in the radar for several years after showcasing his talent in different level of cricket.

"Looks a dry wicket and if we put runs on the board, it will be helpful to the spinners," said Shanto who is leading the side in absence of Shakib Al Hasan.

"It's a new cycle and it's a very important series for us. We miss those senior players but we have one debutant today - Shahadat Hossain Dipu. One seamer and three spinners is the combination."

Bangladesh also brought back Nayeem Hasan and wicket-keeper Nurul Hasan Sohan who played their last Test match in the last year. Opener Zakir Hasan is also back to the playing squad after missing Bangladesh's previous Test against Afghanistan in June.

Nurul Hasan Sohan will be the wicket-keeper replacing Liton Das who is on paternity leave. Bangladesh missed its premier allrounder and captain Shakib Al Hasan, fast bowlers Ebadot Hossain and Taskin Ahmed due to injury.

Henry Nicholls meanwhile made his way to a spin-heavy New Zealand team after being cleared of ball tampering charges.

Line Ups:

Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Shahadat Hossain Dipu.
 
New Zealand: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee (capt), Ajaz Patel.