Liton set to miss first ODI against Zimbabwe due to injury

Bangladesh T20 captain Liton Das is all set to miss the first ODI against Zimbabwe as he continues to recover from a Grade 1 calf muscle injury in his left leg.

Liton suffered the injury during the third ODI against Australia after retiring hurt on 48. Although he briefly returned to score 58, the injury ruled him out of the subsequent T20 International series. 

He was also unavailable for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe where Amit Hasan made his debut.

The Bangladesh team departed for Zimbabwe on Sunday without Liton, who is expected to join the squad later.

Team physiotherapist Bayzedul Islam said Liton is still recovering from a Grade 1 calf muscle injury.

"Recovery from this type of injury generally takes two to three weeks. Two weeks have already passed, so we hope he will recover within three weeks," Bayzedul said. 

"His chances of playing the first ODI are very low. If he passes the fitness test and meets all medical parameters, he could be available for the second and third ODIs."

Team insider said Liton will definitely miss the opening ODI, with Bangladesh aiming to have him fully fit for the remaining two ODIs and the three-match T20I series.

The one-off Test between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe began in Harare on Sunday. The three-match ODI series starts in Harare on July 6, followed by a three-match T20I series in Bulawayo beginning July 15.