Mushfiqur expected to return for Sylhet Test

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Bangladesh batter Mushfiqur Rahim is expected to be available for the second Test against West Indies in Sylhet on November 5 after being ruled out of the series opener on Wednesday due to a right index finger injury.

National team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan confirmed in a video message that Mushfiqur is expected to recover within three days and be fit for the second Test.

“Mushfiqur Rahim suffered an injury in his right index finger during practice yesterday. He was under observation but till this morning he had not recovered sufficiently. It’s a contusion injury and we are hoping that within three days he will be able to recover from it and he will be available for the next Test,” Bayjedul said.

The news came as a surprise after the team management had initially played down concerns over Mushfiqur’s condition following the injury during Tuesday’s training session. Ice was applied to the affected area before the veteran batter left practice.

Mushfiqur was replaced by Towhid Hridoy as Bangladesh opted to bat in the first Test at Mirpur on Wednesday.

While his absence will be a blow for the hosts in the series opener, Bangladesh will be hopeful that the experienced batter recovers as expected and returns for the second Test in Sylhet, where the Tigers will continue their pursuit of valuable World Test Championship points.