Mahmuddalah Riyad will lead the Bangladesh team in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan against Zimbabwe in the first Test being played the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet starting from Saturday, November 3, 2018.

Live updates:

Zimbabwe 103/3

Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat

The first day's play will start at 9:30 AM BST, 4:00 AM GMT.

The two teams played an ODI series before this, but Zimbabwe seemed to be no match to the Bangladesh side.

Bangladesh won all the three games comprehensively without giving Zimbabwe much to celebrate. Bangladesh would be looking to continue their good form from the ODIs while Zimbabwe will look for redemption during this two-match Test series.

Live telecast and streaming details

Gazi TV will broadcast the matches live on its network in Bangladesh. Gazi TV will also have the online streaming and highlights package available of its official Youtube channel named, "Rabbitholebd Sports".

Mehidy Hasan has a key role in the absence of Shakib

Bangladesh will be without their regular captain Shakib Al Hasan, as he is nursing an injury. Tamim Iqbal is out as well due to a similar situation.

After some really good performances in the ODI series, Imrul Kayes is expected to open the innings with Liton Das in Iqbal's absence while Mehidy Hasan will have to take more responsibility in Shakib's absence.

Cricbuzz reported that Mohammad Mithun would be handed his debut Test cap in this game after some impressive contributions he has made in the recent times.

Mustafizur Rahman is also expected to return to the Bangladesh Test side after some time now.

Mpofu in, Ngarava out

Richard Ngarava was named in the squad earlier but sustained a groin injury which ruled him out of the series.

According to Cricbuzz, Christopher Mpofu has been announced as his replacement and will play the first Test.

Zimbabwe has a good middle order with the likes of Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams, all of who have found success in the ODI series.

If Zimbabwe plays well in this Test, it has to come from these three and Craig Ervine has not found his touch lately.

Zimbabwe will also miss Graeme Cremer, whose leg-spin would have been crucial during this series.

The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium will be hosting its first Test. Hence there is not a lot which can be said about the pitch. Cricbuzz suggested that the turf will have some spin and bounce like other pitches in the subcontinent do. The weather forecast for the first day's play is clear with bright sun in the morning, but there is some rain expected as the Test moves forward.

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