Injury-ridden Tigers on mending process
Minhaj optimistic about Mashrafe to lead against Zimbabwe
Sports Reporter
While Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan all but sure to miss the home series against Zimbabwe, the latest question that left the team management in quandary that whether Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Mushfiqur could be the part of the series, starting with three-match ODI series from October 21.
Both will be in observation before the doctors could give them a nod to play the series. Mashrafe had the problem in his little finger with which he played the Asia Cup while Mushfiqur Rahim had long-standing rib problem that only worsened after playing the regional tournament in which he was the highest run-getter for Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief physician Dr. Devashis Chowdhury said Mushfiqur will be in observation for one week while Mashrafe will be under scanner for two weeks.
Mashrafes injury looked serious though he himself was not concerned too much and said that he had already played two matches with this problem, said Dr. Chowdhury. Normally in this case, we gave importance how the players assess his condition. But it is right with that injury he has no problem to bowl but in case of batting, the injury will disturb him.
Normally it needs three weeks time to be healed from the injury completely. Some times have already passed and we are expecting that he will be ready to play after two weeks.
But not only finger injury, Mashrafe also sustained a thigh injury and a blood-clot grew up on his leg, causing another concern.
His thigh injury is also in our consideration though we can confirm about it after a couple of days. At the moment, we are expecting him to get back on the field after two weeks.
And yes he has also a blood-clot, which should be cured through conservative approach. But if it gets serious, he needs operation. However operation in this case is rare.
While the multiple injuries give an impression that Mashrafe should not be the part in the series against Zimbabwe, chief selector Minhajul Nannu looks confident to get the service of the ODI captain.
He is a man with strong mentality. Hope he will manage all those injuries very well and will be the part of the team in the series, he said.
Mushfiqur hit an epic 144 against Sri Lanka and became the first Bangladesh batsman to fall for 99 against Pakistan and those two match-defining knock came on the backdrop of severe pain on his rib.
Rib injury is very critical, said Dr. Chowdhury. Normally rib is a place which doesnt take rest because we need to move always. So recovering from rib injury takes huge time. But the good thing is that he performed really well, managing this injury. For the time being, we gave him rest for one week after which well assess his condition.
Dr. Chowdhury also said that Tamim will continue his rehab for the next three weeks as per the rehab plan given by hand surgeon from Southampton, UK.
Well assess his condition on October 25 and if everything is okay, he will start his cricketing activities. Otherwise, well go for another option.
While Tamims issue is straightforward, Shakib Al Hasan couldnt enjoy that advantage.
Still the good thing is that his pain has been lessened. Hopefully the pain will be over completely within a month after which well send him to the doctor in Australia. He will review his condition and give a plan whether he needs operation and if he needs operation, how it will be done.
