Bangladesh will wait until the morning of the second Test against Australia in Mackay to decide whether Tanzid and Mushfiqur are fit to play. Both were hurt in Thursday’s training session.
Tanzid had neck stiffness and could not bat on Thursday. He had a scan and returned to batting on Friday, but the team is still waiting for the medical assessment. Mushfiqur took a blow to a finger in the nets. The severity is unclear, though captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said at the pre-match press conference that he was doing well, and that Tamim had also batted. Shanto expects a good decision to be reached in the morning.
Why Tanzid matters
Losing Tanzid would be a blow, as he made his maiden Test century in Darwin, where Bangladesh won by nine wickets to lead the two-match series 1-0. If he is out, Soumya Sarkar could open; he reportedly had a long net session on Friday. Shanto said he has a preferred XI in mind but will reassess on the day.
Bowling options
There is better news on Shoriful Islam, who missed Darwin through injury but is fit and bowling well, according to Shanto. Stronger winds are expected in Mackay, which may help the quicks swing the ball, and Bangladesh are weighing four pacers or three quicks plus their two experienced spinners.
No room for complacency
Shanto said Bangladesh must again play good cricket for five days. He also feels regular matches against sides such as Australia and England in their own conditions are important for Bangladesh’s growth. The XI is due on August 22.
