All-rounder Shakib al Hasan’s negative result from Covid-19 test Friday morning came as a good news for Bangladesh team management ahead of the crucial first Test against visiting Sri Lanka as it was learnt earlier Tuesday that Shakib was ruled out from the opening match of the series after being diagnosed with the novel coronavirus.
But since the first Test is only a day away and Shakib is not in practice in the last couple of weeks, there are still major doubts over his participation in Sunday's first Test.
Bangladesh team had an intense training session Friday afternoon at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong prior to the first Test and Shakib joined the squad in the evening.
Meanwhile Tigers head coach Russell Domingo is optimistic regarding Shakib’s availability but also preparing backup plans as there are a lot of factors to be considered.
“Coming straight into a Test match, we need to check his fitness and assess where he is. He has just come off Covid, and he hasn’t played much cricket. He’s obviously a big player for us, balances the team. But we need to see how he is (today). He hasn’t batted or bowled for the last two or three weeks. It is five days of cricket. It is hot. There are all sorts of things to consider,” Domingo said to the media prior to the practice session Friday.
“I have had Covid badly, so the energy is not quite the same. You can’t go into straightaway. It is not a T20 or ODI which is done in six or seven overs. It is going to happen for over five days. Of course we want him to play, he is one of the best cricketers that’s ever played. But we need to make sure that he gives himself the best chance to perform, and fulfill his role. Bowl at least 15 overs a day, bat for three or four overs in the top six. Anybody would want a fully fit Shakib in your best XI. But it is very difficult to play if he is 50-60% fit,” he added.
Bangladesh team will practice in morning session Saturday and Shakib will train with the team.
It was learnt that Shakib is eager to play but it seems that the team management will take the final decision after Saturday's practice session depending on his match fitness and health condition.
Meanwhile, Tigers team management is pondering different options and combinations if Shakib is unable to play and middle-order batsman Mosaddek Hossain, who was added to the squad recently, is a good contender in that spot.
“I think we need to consider someone who can bowl. Yasir (Ali) has played some really good innings for us, but we need to find someone who can bowl 10-15 overs. I am not sure if Mominul (Haque) is confident of bowling 10-15 overs. Shanto (Nazmul Hossain) is not quite there to bowl six-seven overs a day,” said Domingo.
“Teams that have got that guy who can bat at No 6/7 and bowl 10/15 overs a day, they are more balanced. We need to find that person when Shakib is not there. When he is there, easy. But he has not been there much. So Mosaddek is definitely in consideration to play if Shakib is not playing.”
