Bangladesh National Cricket Team have suffered a massive blow as the star all-rounder and ODI skipper, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, is doubtful for the Test series opener against the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team.
The Test series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will start the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle days after the South Africa National Cricket Team were crowned as the world champions in the format.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s availability doubtful
The first Test of the series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will be hosted by the Galle International Stadium from June 17 to 21.
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Bangladesh are sweating over the fitness of star all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who is one of the top performers of the team in recent times.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz was suffering from fever for quite some time, and he missed out on a couple of training sessions of the team. Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons expected him to join the team’s last training session ahead of the commencement of the Test series, but he failed to attend it on Monday.
According to a report in Cricbuzz, Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been declared virus-free by the medical team, but he is suffering from extreme weakness, which has kept him out of the field.
In case Mehidy Hasan Miraz fails to recover for the Test series opener, it will be a colossal blow for Bangladesh. He was the top performer for the Bangla Tigers in the previous Test series against Zimbabwe, picking a ten-wicket haul in the Sylhet Test and scoring a ton and taking five wickets in the Chattogram Test.
Miraz condition is better than before – Najmul Hossain Shanto
Giving an update on Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto said that the all-rounder’s health has significantly improved, but he is still under the observation of the medical team.
“Miraz condition is better than before but he is still under observation. A lot of things depend on him as far as tomorrow’s combination is concerned because to be honest he is still not well. His health is improving but a lot of things depend on his availability and if he is alright we can play with a good combination,” Najmul Hossain Shanto told the media as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Najmul Hossain Shanto further emphasized on the importance of starting the new ICC World Test Championship cycle on a high. He said:
“It is very important to start the WTC in a positive note. We had good preparation back home. I hope we can start the competition very well. We have good memories in Sri Lanka, which will be helpful but every series is a new beginning. The top order has to provide the team with a good start. We have a good squad here, so it will be a great opportunity to do something special here.”
We are enjoying each other’s company despite all the challenges – Najmul Hossain Shanto
Najmul Hossain Shanto also highlighted that the batting will be difficult at the Galle International Stadium but expressed confidence in his team. He elaborated:
“There will be challenges for the batters as spinners take a lot of wickets in this venue. But we also have to consider that there are a lot of runs here in the first 2-3 days. We have to bat well. We are enjoying each other’s company despite all the challenges.
“I had some good memories in Kandy. I want to take the opportunity in Galle. Playing spin may be challenging but there’s also a lot of runs in the first 2-3 days in Galle. We want to take that opportunity. I hope we can do that.
“I am happy with the Test squad. I think it is also quite positive that we all could agree on this combination. It is a balanced side with enough options for batting and bowling,” he added.
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