Bangladesh yesterday named Mashrafe Mortaza as captain and the uncapped wicketkeeper/batsman Saghir Hossain in a 15-member squad to tour West Indies next month.

Mortaza replaces Mohammad Ashraful, who had been captain for two years.

The Caribbean tour, which includes two Tests, three one-day internationals and a Twenty20 match, starts on July 3 with a three-day match against West Indies A in Barbados.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) says it relieved Ashraful of his captaincy duties to allow him to focus on his batting.

"The board wants to sincerely thank Mohammad Ashraful for his contribution as skipper," said Mohammed Jalal Yunus of the BCB's Communications department.

"The decision to replace him was taken with the intention of relieving the load on Ashraful so that he can play his natural game."

Shakib Al Hasan, currently the world's No.1 all-rounder in ODIs, has been named the vice-captain.

The 22-year-old Saghir has been an impressive Bangladesh A wicketkeeper and will be the back-up wicketkeeper for Mushfiqur Rahim.

The squad also includes batsman Mahmudullah and fast bowler Rubel Hossain, who have no Test experience.