Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has said Shakib Al Hasan's absence from what should have been his farewell Test was "unfortunate," but urged his team to focus on the task at hand - the first match against South Africa starting on Monday.

(Reuters) -Bangladesh left-arm spinner Hasan Murad has replaced all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for their first test against South Africa next week, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said on Friday. Shakib had earlier said he was almost certain he will not return home for a farewell test following public anger over his silence during deadly protests in the country.

Bangladesh have named left-arm spinner Hasan Murad as a replacement for Shakib Al Hasan, who won't be taking part in his 'farewell' Test against South Africa at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.