‘Chance for others to make statement’

The national selectors will now shift their focus to upcoming home series against Afghanistan after completion of the three-match ODI series against Ireland in Chelmsford.

Bangladesh Test and T20I captain Shakib Al Hasan would likely miss out on the one-off Test against Afghanistan, starting from June 14, as the all-rounder suffered a fracture at the base of index finger while attempting a catch during the second ODI against Ireland on Friday. Such injuries usually take around six weeks to heal.

"We are hopeful that he [Shakib] will be back for the limited-over series. It's always difficult to replace someone like Shakib but it's a chance for others to make a statement," said selector Habibul Bashar yesterday.

The Afghanistan series will be played in two phases. Following the lone Test, the visitors will head to India for a white-ball series before returning to Bangladesh to play the three-match ODI and two-match T20I series.

Bashar further informed they will take time before announcing squad for the Afghanistan series as they will be assessing performers of Bangladesh A who are set to take on West Indies A series in Sylhet, with the first of the three four-day "Tests" scheduled to begin on May 16.