Shakib Al Hasan, in the news often for reasons other than on-field success, has had a tough time in the ongoing series against India. But if Bangladesh have to avoid a series defeat in Kanpur, they would need a handsome contribution from the left-arm spinner all-rounder.
During the first Test in Chennai, the former captain had a disappointing time with the ball and got dismissed even after being well-set. Now, ahead of the second Test in Green Park starting Friday, uncertainty hovers over Shakib’s availability because of discomfort in his left index finger, where he had sustained an injury during last year’s ODI World Cup and was subsequently out for over four months.
Shakib didn’t practise for too long as well during Bangladesh’s training on Wednesday and neither did he bowl during the session. So, the possibility of him playing just
as a specialist batsman in Kanpur cannot be ruled out completely.
Head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe, however, remains optimistic.
“I haven’t heard anything officially about him (Shakib) or any complaints.
“There’s no doubt about that (Shakib’s availability) at the moment. I haven’t heard from the team physio or from anyone... He’s still eligible for selection,” Hathurusinghe said at a news conference
in Kanpur.
In Chennai, Shakib hadn’t bowled too many overs and turned out to be quite expensive after he was brought late into the attack.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), though, claimed nothing regarding Shakib’s left-finger injury has been communicated to by the team management. “We are informed only if a player sustains a serious injury, not when there’s a niggle or a minor injury. That’s the protocol,” BCB doctor Debasish Chowdhury said.
