DHAKA, March 6, 2019 (BSS) – Bangladesh are wary of the injury to
several key players as the second Test against New Zealand approaches fast.
While Shakib Al Hasan has already been ruled out of the second Test in
Wellington, starting on March 8, team’s dependable batsman Mushfiqur Rahim is
yet to recover fully from the injury.
Mushfiqur is suffering from a wrist injury, as well as a flare-up of a
rib problem, which kept him out of the Hamilton Test in which Bangladesh lost
by an innings and 52 runs margin. There was niggle of Tamim Iqbal also who
struck 126 and 74 in the two innings of the first Test.
The injury and niggles of the players went to such extent that
Bangladesh hardly felt any comfort ahead of the second Test, a do or die
match for them considering the defeat in the match would give them a bitter
test of series defeat.
Soumya Sarkar though was called up as the back-up of Shakib Al Hasan,
Bangladesh team management didn’t fill Mushfiqur’s place with any additional
player, thinking that the dependable middle order batsman would get fit ahead
of the second Test.
Mushfiqur is yet to feel comfort as there is still a little bit of
sourness in the ligament area, which made him extremely doubtful for the
second Test, said Bangladesh head coach Steve Rhodes.
But he said that they won’t give up hopes on Mushfiqur until the start
of the second Test at Basin Reserve in Wellington.
“Mushy (Mushfiqur) is trying his best to be fit as quick as possible for
the Test matches,” Rhodes said on Wednesday in Wellington.
“Today (Wednesday) was his first real hit with the tennis ball and
rubber ball work and finish with some cricket ball work. When he got to the
cricket ball there is still a little bit of sourness in that ligament area so
it means he will be extremely doubtful for the second Test.”
But according to Rhodes, Mushfiqur will recover by the time the third
and final Test will start in Christchurch on March 16.
“It will take an amazing recovery overnight but we all hold out hope all
the time for Mushy. The good news is that he is on course for third Test and
there is no setback along the way.”
There was also possibility that Shakib Al Hasan, the regular Test
captain of the side could play the third Test. In that case Bangladesh may
field full-strength team.
Bangladesh however had a light practice session on Wednesday in which
Tamim Iqbal joins along with Mushfiqur Rahim.
“Thing across we get through tomorrow’s session which will be very
slight session and that will allow them to be fit and ready and go out for
the second Test,” Rhodes said.
“Tamim had a little light work out today just a little bit soar but
nothing major just something. He is in a good spot obviously batted few overs
in the game and scored over 200 runs. He is ok and the rest of the boys are
all right so there is no little drama in that respect.”