Mushfiqur back in training

Bangladesh Test skipper Mushfiqur Rahim batted in the nets in Mirpur yesterday for the first time since he injured his right thumb in New Zealand. He was the only national player present at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday as he focused hard to middle deliveries.

While Mushfiqur was not keen on speaking to the media, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) sports physician Debashish Chowdhury told reporters that there was nothing to worry about with regards to the skipper.

“After returning, he went through another scan and we didn't see any cracks or fractures. That's why we aren't too concerned about Mushfiqur. While there is no fracture, he does still have some pain and we need to give him time for that.

“His recovery though has been satisfying. If he improves in the same way, he shouldn't have any problems returning to the game after 31st January.”

At the moment Bangladesh are plagued by injury concerns. Aside from Mushfiqur, the BCB also has to worry about Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque, Mustafizur Rahman, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Mohammad Shahid.

Mustafizur, who missed out on most of the New Zealand series, is complaining of some pain in the hip region.

“Mustafizur has no problem with his shoulder. His new problem is around back and hip region. Although he has some pain, his name is not there on the injury list that the management provided us, so it's not that serious.

“I think it's natural for a person to be a bit less confident after immediately returning from surgery. That is very obvious. He will improve with time. All he needs is some game time. The pain that he has on his side is very normal and many pacers have this. It's not that serious,” explained Debashish.

Shahid, who had injured his right knee during the Bangladesh Premier League, is likely to be sent to Australia next week in order to be further assessed. Shahid had suffered a partial ACL tear and at first was expected to recover after rehabilitation. However, the BCB is now sending him to Australia in order to get a second opinion.

“If the surgeon over there thinks that he will need an operation, then he will go under the knife,” said Debashish.

With regards to Mominul, who had suffered a bruised ribcage during the New Zealand series, Debashish expects him to be fine before the Test series. However, he expressed caution over Imrul, who has been diagnosed with a strain in his thigh muscle.

“Imrul is recovering quite well. However, since this is a muscle problem, the pain might return. So we have to be absolutely sure about Imrul because we don't want him to get injured again and then put him in danger for the Sri Lanka series,” said Debashish.

On another note, Bangladesh ODI and T20I captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, who fractured his right hand in New Zealand, will need five to six weeks to recover.

The players will undergo a physical test on January 31, after which the extent of their fitness levels will be clearer.