Shakib starts recovery

Bangladesh Test and T20I skipper Shakib Al Hasan was seen doing light running sessions at the Academy Ground in Mirpur yesterday. According to sources involved with his recovery from a left little finger fracture, the light running sessions are the first step to getting the ace all-rounder fit for the third and final Test in New Zealand.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan said on Monday that Shakib was advised a seven-day rest following a medical test on Sunday. However, it was clarified by the source that the seven-day rest was prescribed for his fractured finger and not for the full body.

Shakib started his exercises yesterday and will be proceeding slowly and gradually along a recovery plan that has been sketched out for the 31-year-old. The recovery plan was probably made keeping proper precautions in mind and so that his injured finger gets proper rest as throwing and catching practice -- activities that would involve his injured finger -- are scheduled to be the last step in his recovery process.

The BCB boss mentioned that Shakib had shown an interest in participating in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL), the 50-over version of which is scheduled to begin from March 8, to get some match practice ahead of the third Test in New Zealand starting from March 16. Although he might not see his desire fulfilled due to the seven-day rest period, the chances are bright that the nation's best all-rounder will be fit to feature in the third Test.