Mushfiqur doubtful for second Test

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, reports BSS.

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.”