Shakib returns, but not quite in earnest
The way Shakib Al Hasan practiced at the training facilities in Mirpur yesterday gave the appearance that the premier all-rounder was making up for all the time he had to spend outside the field.
The southpaw was engaged in a day-long training session after recovering from a hamstring injury that he picked up midway through the T20 World Cup, forcing him to miss the three-match T20I series and the first Test against Pakistan.
Although the Bangladesh team were scheduled to start their training from 1:30pm, Shakib arrived around 11:00am and while awaiting his Covid-19 test results -- a pre-requisite to entering the bio-bubble and practicing with the squad -- he practiced batting against net bowlers at the indoor facilities for more than two hours.
After receiving a negative test as expected, the 34-year-old all-rounder entered the bio-bubble and joined the squad. It seemed the all-rounder was mainly focused on batting, knocking around bowlers for a while in the nets during the team practice as well.
Shakib then ran about three rounds of the main ground before bowling a few deliveries to teammate Mushfiqur Rahim, who was practicing his patented sweeps.
His approach to training signaled that the champion all-rounder was gearing up for a return to the squad and it goes without saying that his inclusion will help the Tigers' balance the squad after an eight-wicket thumping in Chattogram.
With Shakib fit, Bangladesh are certain to make changes to the squad that started in the port city. A change in the opening slot is another certainty after Saif Hassan was ruled out after being diagnosed with typhoid.
Bangladesh included Mohammad Naim in the squad but it is unlikely that the left-hander, who has always been considered for T20s and has only played six first-class matches, will get the nod. The other candidate for the opening slot alongside regular Shadman Islam is the uncapped Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who was included in the squad for the first Test as a back-up opener.
It is more likely that the team management will opt for to tinker with the batting line-up, perhaps promoting Najmul Hossain Shanto from number three to the opening position in order to effectively help accommodate Yasir Ali, who had a promising debut in the Chattogram Test.
There might be another change in the pace department which could see Abu Jayed, who had an ordinary outing in the first Test, make way for Taskin Ahmed, who has returned after recovering from a finger injury.
While there are set to be a few changes for the second Test, starting tomorrow in Mirpur, one thing that is certain is that Bangladesh will have a much more balanced side with Shakib's inclusion ensuring the ideal blend of five bowlers and seven batters.
However, what might be a worry for the team management is how long the side will have such perfect balance. Although no one from the BCB was willing to comment officially, it was learned that Shakib has still not confirmed his availability for the upcoming New Zealand tour, for which the Tigers are set to fly in just six days.