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In a significant blow to Bangladesh, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies due to a Grade-II strain in his left groin. The stylish left-handed batter had previously missed the deciding ODI against Afghanistan in Sharjah owing to the same injury.
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How Did Shanto Sustain the Injury?
Shanto sustained the injury while fielding during the second ODI of the series against Afghanistan. After experiencing discomfort, he was immediately taken for an MRI scan, which confirmed a Grade-II strain. Consequently, he was forced to sit out the series decider, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz stepping in as the stand-in captain.
BCB’s Senior Physician, Dr. Debashis Chowdhury, confirmed the news, stating:
“Shanto underwent an MRI in Sharjah, and the scan report revealed a Grade-II strain on his left groin. This injury requires a period of rest and rehabilitation. Therefore, he has been ruled out of the third ODI and will also miss the Test series against the West Indies.”
A Huge Blow for Bangladesh
Shanto’s absence comes as a major setback for Bangladesh, especially given his consistent form across formats this year. The 25-year-old has been a linchpin in Bangladesh’s batting lineup, scoring heavily in both Tests and limited-overs cricket. His recent valiant fifty in the must-win second ODI against Afghanistan was instrumental in keeping the series alive.
The Tigers, however, struggled without their captain in the third ODI, suffering a decisive defeat as Afghanistan clinched the series. As Bangladesh prepares for the high-stakes Test series against the West Indies, Shanto’s absence leaves a significant void in their batting order.
Upcoming Test Series Schedule
The two-match Test series against the West Indies is set to kick off on November 24 in Antigua, followed by the second Test in Barbados from December 1. Bangladesh will now have to rejig their strategies and find a reliable replacement to lead the side in Shanto’s absence.
Key Players to Watch in Shanto’s Absence
With Shanto sidelined, the onus will fall on seasoned campaigners like Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Litton Das to shoulder the batting responsibilities. The team management might also consider promoting younger players to fill the captaincy and top-order slots.
As the Test series against a formidable West Indies side approaches, Bangladesh will be hoping for a quick recovery for their skipper, who has been pivotal to their recent successes in international cricket.
