Shakib out of first Test
Bangladesh were dealt a major blow ahead of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka as Test captain Shakib Al Hasan was ruled out of the first Test starting from January 31 in Chittagong after the all-rounder suffered an injury to his left little finger while fielding in the final of the tri-series against Sri Lanka at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.
According to sources close to the team, there is a chance that Shakib will miss the second Test from February 8 in Dhaka as well. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan informed yesterday that new vice-captain Mahmudullah Riyad will lead in Shakib's absence. Left-arm spinner Sunzamul Islam and Tanbir Hayder were drafted into the squad for the first Test.
BCB senior physician Dr Debashis Chowdhury said that the X-ray report had come clear but the injury required stitches.
“The X-ray did not find any fracture. However, there is subluxation/joint sprain at the base of the little finger on his left hand. He has been assessed by a cosmetic surgeon and necessary repairs have been done. The affected finger will have to be immobilised for at least a week before further assessment is made.”
In the 42nd over, Sri Lankan skipper Dinesh Chandimal went for a cheeky single and Shakib's dive resulted in him incurring the injury upon impact with the ground. Immediately attended by team physio, Shakib was rushed to Apollo hospital for further treatment and he played no further part in the 79-run defeat.
