MACKAY: Bangladesh veteran Mushfiqur Rahim suffered a blow to his finger during a training session in Mackay on Thursday, raising concerns over his availability for the second Test against Australia.
Mushfiqur was batting in the nets at the Great Barrier Reef Arena when a delivery struck his finger. The experienced batter immediately sat down on the pitch and received treatment before returning to the nets and continuing his batting practice.
The extent of the injury was not immediately known.
Mushfiqur Injury Raises Concern for Bangladesh
Mushfiqur’s fitness will be closely monitored by Bangladesh’s medical staff ahead of the Test, given his experience and importance to the team’s middle order.
Bangladesh have one more training session before the match, providing the team with additional time to assess the injury and determine whether Mushfiqur will be fit to play.
Any absence would be a significant concern for Bangladesh, particularly because of Mushfiqur’s experience in Test cricket and his role in the middle order.
Tanzid Hasan Also Faces Fitness Concern
Bangladesh also have a question mark over opener Tanzid Hasan.
Tanzid joined his teammates for warm-ups and fielding during the training session but did not take part in batting practice. Team sources said the opener was experiencing neck stiffness and was given a day away from batting as a precaution.
His condition will also be monitored before the Test.
Shoriful Islam Continues Bowling Practice
Meanwhile, Bangladesh fast bowler Shoriful Islam bowled for an extended period during the session as he continued his preparations for the upcoming Test.
Head coach Phil Simmons spent considerable time speaking with Shoriful between his bowling spells as the team worked through its preparations.
With Mushfiqur’s finger injury and Tanzid’s neck stiffness adding uncertainty to the squad, Bangladesh will hope both players recover in time for the second Test against Australia.