Bangladesh got the status of a Test playing nation on June 26, 2000, and since then a number of players have represented Bangladesh in Test cricket. However, some have done it at a considerably younger age. Bangladesh has had a history of throwing young teenage cricketers on the international stage, and that too in the toughest format of the game—Test cricket. Today we look at some of Bangladesh’s youngest Test cricketers and how they fared on the international circuit.
1. Mohammad Sharif (15 Years And 128 Days)
Mohammad Sharif was a right-arm fast bowler from Dhaka. Sharif made his ODI debut in 2001 against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo. He was 15 years and 128 days old when he made his Test debut in 2001, the third youngest cricketer to play in international Test cricket. In 2007, he played his last Test match against Sri Lanka and took 14 wickets during his 10-Test match career.
2. Talha Jubair (16 Years And 223 Days)
Talha Jubair is a former Bangladesh fast bowler and one of their most promising bowlers in the early 2000s. However, Talha could never capitalize on his talent and was frequently dropped from the team. He made his Test debut as a 16-year old teenager, the second youngest Bangladeshi Test cricketer, against Sri Lanka in 2002.
3. Enamul Haq Junior (16 Years And 320 Days)
Next on the list is Enamul Haq Junior, a left-arm orthodox bowler. In 2003, he made his Test match debut against England at the Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka. He was only 16 years and 320 days old when he made his Test debut and hence is placed third on this list. In 2013, he played his last Test match against Zimbabwe.
4. Mohammad Ashraful (17 Years And 61 Days)
Mohammad Ashraful, one of Bangladesh’s most talented cricketers ever, is next to feature on the list. Ashraful had loads of talent and one can never forget his majestic century against a strong Sri Lankan bowling in 2001. He made his Test debut at the tender age of 17 against Sri Lanka in 2001. However, his inconsistent performances and other fraudulent practises cost him his place in the playing eleven.
5. Nazmul Hossain (17 Years And 73 Days)
Nazmul Hossain was a right-handed off-spinner known for his ability to contain runs and pick up crucial wickets, particularly in one-day internationals. He played his first Test in 2004 against India when he was 17 years and 73 days old. He played his next and last Test match against Pakistan in 2011 and was able to represent Bangladesh in only two Test matches.
6. Mushfiqur Rahim (18 Years And 17 Days)
Next on the list is former Bangladesh captain and their most successful wicketkeeper batter, Mushfiqur Rahim. Mushfiqur first debuted in Test cricket at the age of 18 against England in 2005 and has played 82 Tests until now. He has scored 5235 runs at an average of 37.93, with nine hundred and twenty-five fifties to his name.
7. Mashrafe Mortaza (18 Years And 34 Days)
One cannot forget to mention Mashrafe Mortaza when talking about Bangladesh cricket. Mashrafe is Bangladesh’s most successful captain and an incredible bowler. He started his Test career in 2001 against Zimbabwe at the age of 18 and took 78 wickets during his 36-Test match career. In 2009, he played his last Test match against the West Indies.
8. Ranjan Das (18 Years And 119 Days)
Ranjan Das was a left-arm fast bowler from Dhaka and was a member of the Bangladeshi Test team in their inaugural Test match in 2000 against India at Dhaka. He was 18 years and 119 days old when he made his Test debut. Unfortunately, it was the only match that Das played in his entire international career. His inconsistent performances in the domestic circuit could not earn him a spot in the national side.
9. Najmul Hossain Shanto (18 Years And 148 Days)
Next, we have Najmul Hossain Shanto, a left-handed top-order batter. He made his Test debut in 2017 against New Zealand at the age of 18. So far, he has featured in 19 Tests and has scored 913 runs at an average of 26.08 with two hundred and two fifties to his name.
10. Alok Kapali (18 Years And 208 Days)
Alok Kapali is a former Bangladesh all-rounder from Sylhet. He was a right-handed batter and a right-arm leg break bowler. In 2002, he made his Test debut against Sri Lanka at the age of 18 years and 208 days. He played his last Test match in 2006 against Sri Lanka at Chattogram.
