Mushfiqur out of second ODI, could miss for up to two weeks

Wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim has been ruled out of the second ODI against New Zealand and could be sidelined for up to two weeks.

Bangladesh coach Chandika Harhurusinha confirmed it on Wednesday, ahead of the team's training session under glorious sunshine at the Saxton Oval in the afternoon.

"Unfortunately Mushfiq is not ready for the next game," the Sri Lankan said at a press conference. "At this stage we are looking at two weeks [for him to recover]. Anything before that will be a bonus." 

Admitting that it was a big blow for the Tigers, the Sri Lankan said reserve wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan will replace him in the second ODI tomorrow.

Mushfiqur suffered left hamstring injury while chasing a quick single in the opening game at Christchurch which the Tigers lost by 77 runs.

Mushfiqur, who is supposed to have a scan today to assess the gravity of the injury, looks destined to miss the final ODI here on December 31 too. The decision to scan has been shifted back and the coach, admitting this type of injury needs at least two weeks to heal, hoped that his key player recovers sooner than later.

However, if he does take two weeks to recover, it may mean the gritty wicket-keeper batsman, who had scored 42 before retiring hurt in the first ODI, may miss the three Twenty20 matches as well.

Meanwhile, although there was rain forefcast earlier, the most recent forecast predicts clear weather for tomorrow, meaning the second ODI will go on untroubled.