Shakib Al Hasan took 10 wickets for Bangladesh in their historic 20-run triumph over Australia

Shakib Al Hasan will miss Bangladesh's two-Test series in South Africa after having his request for a break from the longest format accepted.

Shakib wrote a letter to the Bangladesh Cricket Board ahead of Monday's squad announcement asking to be rested from the five-day arena while remaining available for limited-overs cricket.

The all-rounder, 30, has been granted his wish and omitted from the 15-man party picked to face the Proteas in Potchefstroom from September 28 and in Bloemfontein from October 6, live on Sky Sports.

"I respect his decision but it is very hard to replace him," chief selector Minhajul Abedin said of Shakib, an ever-present in Bangladesh's Test side since missing two games against Windies in 2014.

"We have to take into account his mental state because as a player I understand what he may be going through physically and mentally."

All-rounder Nasir Hossain has also been left out of the squad but there are recalls for batsman Mahmudullah and seam bowlers Subhasis Roy and Rubel Hossain.

Mahmudullah last played a Test against Sri Lanka in March

Bangladesh squad for two-Test series against South Africa: Mushfiqur Rahim (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Sabbir Rahman, Mahmudullah, Liton Das, Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Subashis Roy, Mominul Haque

You can watch Bangladesh's Test series in South Africa live on Sky Sports. Coverage of the first Test begins at 8.55am on Sky Sports Cricket on Thursday, September 28.