Bangladesh endured a frustrating opening hour in the first Test against Ireland at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today, as three dropped catches overshadowed an impressive early breakthrough from pacer Hasan Mahmud.

Paul Stirling and Cade Carmichael made full use of the dropped chances as Ireland went to lunch at 94 for 1 after 26 overs. Stirling was unbeaten on 58, while Carmichael was on 30.

After losing the toss, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto saw his side put in to bowl first, and Hasan struck early, removing Ireland skipper Andy Balbirnie for a duck.

It was a fiery full delivery that jagged back in sharply and kept a touch low, thudding into Balbirnie's back leg.

However, what followed was a series of squandered opportunities that left Bangladesh ruing their luck and execution.

First, Shadman Islam at second slip dropped Paul Stirling, a regulation chance around shin height off another delivery that shaped away. The frustration on the bowlers' faces told the story of the morning.

Not long after, Taijul Islam failed to hold on to a low pull from Carmichael off Hasan Mahmud. The ball appeared to just brush his fingertips — or perhaps even reach him on the half-volley — but Taijul too ended up hurt, his right hand bleeding as he walked off.

Then came the third heartbreak — Mehidy Hasan Miraz put down a sharp chance at gully off Nahid Rana, diving to his right as Stirling edged one. Worse still, Mehidy injured his little finger in the attempt and had to leave the field for treatment.

Tigers to bowl first 

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto lost the toss as the Tigers were put to bowl in the first Test of the two-match series against Ireland at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. 

The hosts handed a debut to left-arm spinner Hasan Murad, meaning he makes up a spin trio also involving Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana, meanwhile, make up the pace attack. 

Bangladesh veteran Mushfiqur Rahim is playing in his 99th match as he gears up to reach the century mark in the second Test in Mirpur. Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy slots in at the top of the order alongside Shadman Islam. Mominul Haque plays at three, meaning the skipper bats down at four, with Litton Das and Miraz forming up the lower-middle order.  

As for the visitors, middle-order batter Jordan Neill, at 19, becomes Ireland's youngest ever Test debutant. Top-order batter Cade Carmichael has also been handed his Test cap. 

Bangladesh XI: Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad

Ireland XI: A Balbirnie (capt), PR Stirling, C Carmichael, HT Tector, C Campher, LJ Tucker (wk), J Neill, AR McBrine, BJ McCarthy, MJ Humphreys, CA Young