Fizz in good shape to return

Mustafizur Rahman. Photo: Star File

Rajshahi Kings, currently wallowing in sixth spot in the seven-team Bangladesh Premier League, will likely receive the boost they need as their star bowler, Bangladesh's celebrated left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman, has seemingly regained full fitness after badly twisting his left ankle before the ODI leg of Bangladesh's ill-fated tour of South Africa in September-October.

The man affectionately called Fizz for his beguiling cutters was seen bowling as many as five overs at full tilt yesterday during the Kings' practice session at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong. Team physio Bayzedul Islam Khan said that he has been bowling for four sessions, including yesterday's one, and has had no complaints so far.

"He has been with the Rajshahi Kings squad since November 8. After the initial period of rehabilitation we have completed work with all rehabilitation procedures," said Bayzedul yesterday. "Today, he bowled at full pace during four sessions without any complaints. He also completed running and fielding exercises. Let's see what happens next.

"We are measuring his progress through tests and he has done well. Since he has not complained I think we can decipher that he does not have any problems."

The noise coming out of the camp is that he will likely play the Kings' next match, against table-toppers Comilla Victorians, tomorrow if all goes well in practice today.

"I bowled today; I think everything is fine. There is no problem," said Mustafizur, a man of few words if there ever was one. He did, however, end his brief utterance with a thumbs up sign.