Shadman in doubt for first Test

Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam is doubtful for the first Test of the upcoming two-match series against Pakistan, which will take place in Rawalpindi from February 7, as the left-hander is nursing a wrist injury.

Shadman took an injection on Monday and has been advised a week’s rest for a week. The 24-year-old has been struggling with the injury sustained a few months back while playing for Bangladesh Cricket Board XI in the Dr (Capt) K. Thimmappiah Memorial tournament in Bangalore.

The cricketer had to return home early after playing only two matches in the tournament but he did play in the two-match Test series in India, during which the injury flared up again.

Shadman was also not picked in the upcoming Bangladesh Cricket League’s players’ draft due to the injury.

“We asked Shadman not to play in the BCL as he has been suffering from a wrist injury for quite some time. He took the injection on Monday, and we advised him to rest a week and due to his current state, we also informed the authorities not to consider him for the first-round match of BCL.

“After two to three days, we will assess his condition again. We can decide whether he will be available for the Pakistan Test after observing his condition a few days later, as this is an old injury. The pain worsens when he tries to bat. Such an injury is manageable for shorter matches, but it gets tough when someone plays in longer format matches,” BCB chief physician Debashish Chowdhury told reporters yesterday.