DHAKA: Controversial ex-skipper Shakib Al Hasan was expected to return home Thursday for what he says is his swan song when Bangladesh host South Africa in a two-Test series.

The series starting October 21 in Mirpur is the first international match in Bangladesh since a student-led revolution toppled autocratic premier Sheikh Hasina.

Shakib, who was a lawmaker in her government, has not returned to Bangladesh since then.Shakib announced his retirement from international cricket last month but said then that he wanted to play one last Test series at home.

The second Test will be played in Chittagong, beginning October 29.

Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfigur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Littart Das (wicketkeeper), Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana.-AFP