Bangladesh’s bowling coach, Allan Donald had some positive news for all the Bangladesh fans in the pre-match press conference.
Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s premier allrounder will be seen in action against India at Mirpur tomorrow.
Shakib sustained a rib injury during the second ODI against India on December 7 after which he did not bowl in that game.
After this, he bowled only 12 overs in the first innings of the first Test but after that did not bowl in the second innings.
While head coach Russell Domingo had stated that Shakib can play in the second Test only as a batsman, Donald says that Shakib can now play to his full potential as an all-rounder.
Donald’s comment on Shakib’s availability for second Test against India
Shakib is okay, he will bowl. He was bruised and battered in the one-day game here, but he has gone through that. He is available for selection, and available to bowl.
Adding further, Donald says,
Any selectors here? (laughs) If I am talking out of the room a little bit, it will be the same three spinners and welcoming back Taskin and Khaled as well. Sorry to the selectors but I am talking out of the room a little bit. That’s what I can see happening. Good news is that Shakib is good to go. Looking at the pitch, I think he will very much come into play.
Apart from Shakib, pacer Ebadot Hossain too didn’t bowl in the second innings of the first Test due to a back injury.
Hossain is not part of the second Test which clears the way for Taskin Ahmed.
This confirms the bowling lineup for Bangladesh who is going to play three spinners and two pacers in the second Test.
Says Donald,
Taskin is good to go. He wanted to play the last Test but he was very much short of a gallop in terms of rhythm. The build-up in the last Test was crucial for him. He is looking forward to the contest.
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