(IANS Photo)
The Bangladesh National Cricket Team has suffered a significant setback ahead of their first Test against Pakistan. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed has been ruled out of the opening match, scheduled to begin on August 21 at the Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium.
According to Geo News, Taskin Ahmed will not be available for the first Test as he will be participating in a four-day game for the Bangladesh A team against Pakistan Shaheens, starting on the same day.
However, Taskin Ahmed is expected to be available for the second Test. The team management plans to give him some game time to regain his form after a lengthy injury layoff.
The pacer has been sidelined from Test cricket since June of last year due to a persistent shoulder injury, although he has continued to play in white-ball formats. Ahmed recently competed in the T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies in June, but the physical demands of Test cricket have kept him out of the longest format.
Taskin Ahmed received the go-ahead to play despite dealing with a shoulder injury.
Before their trip to Pakistan, the Bangladesh squad underwent a thorough fitness assessment, which included close scrutiny of Taskin Ahmed by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) physio Bayjedul. The physio had a particular focus on Taskin as the squad was being finalized.
Following the fitness test, the BCB physio expressed confidence that Taskin Ahmed would participate in the Test series despite his injury. The physio noted that with ongoing rehabilitation and proper conditioning, Taskin should be able to manage his injury effectively. If he responds well to his recovery regimen, he is expected to join the team for the Test matches.
Taskin Ahmed is anticipated to be available for the second Test, set to begin on August 30 at the same venue. He aims to make a strong impression in the Bangladesh A squad before contributing to the senior team.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan National Cricket Team has announced their XI for the first Test against Bangladesh. The team includes four fast bowlers, with Salman Ali Agha serving as the spin-bowling all-rounder. Mohammad Rizwan has been selected over Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Saim Ayub will open the innings alongside Abdullah Shafique. The middle order will feature Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and Saud Shakeel. The pace attack will consist of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, and Mohammad Ali.
