Bangladesh have received a significant boost with the return of star all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz for the second Test against Sri Lanka, presenting a selection dilemma for the team management.

The 26-year-old, who missed the first Test due to illness, is ranked number two among Test all-rounders.

Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan, who replaced him in the first Test in Galle, which ended in a draw on Saturday, achieved a six-wicket match haul, including a five-for in the first innings.

Head coach Phil Simmons acknowledged that the team now faces a “good headache" in balancing the playing eleven.

“Miraz is world-class, no doubt he strengthens us in both departments," Simmons told reporters on the eve of the match in Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo.

“Nayeem was outstanding in Galle. It’s tough to leave someone out after a performance like that. But everyone understands the team requirements. We’ll take a final call after training today."

One possible solution being considered is sacrificing a specialist batter, potentially Jaker Ali, to accommodate both spinners.

However, Simmons remained tight-lipped, stating that the final squad would only be confirmed on match day.

Hosts Sri Lanka are grappling with a selection choice following the retirement of stalwart Angelo Mathews, who ended his Test career after the Galle game.

Three uncapped players – Pavan Rathnayake, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, and Sonal Dinusha – have been added to the squad.

Selectors are likely to hand Dinusha his maiden cap.

“Sonal’s a promising left-hander who also offers us left-arm spin. Given the conditions, he fits the bill," said skipper Dhananjaya de Silva.

Sri Lanka will also be forced to make at least one more change with seam-bowling all-rounder Milan Rathnayake out due to a side strain.

The choice is between an extra pacer, most likely Kasun Rajitha, back from a stint of County Cricket with Essex, or a second frontline spinner in Akila Dananjaya, who last played a Test almost six years ago.
 

The Singhalese Sports Club in Colombo is usually a seamer-friendly venue, but the pitch this time is expected to assist spinners as the game progresses.

(With AFP inputs).