Bangladesh seamer Shoriful Islam says he is ready to return for the second Test against Australia in Mackay, though he accepts the final call rests with team management.
The 24-year-old left-armer was injured on Bangladesh’s tour of Zimbabwe and missed the Darwin Test. He travelled with the squad and watched from the sidelines as Bangladesh won by nine wickets, their first Test victory on Australian soil. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has confirmed that Shoriful passed his fitness test ahead of the Mackay match, which runs from August 22 to 26 at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.
Speaking to reporters in Mackay on Wednesday, Shoriful said he is always ready and will see what is in his destiny, hoping to play.
Sharing in the Darwin win
Although he was not in the playing XI at Marrara Stadium, Shoriful stayed closely involved. He joked that he at least made it into the team photographs, and said it felt really good to be part of the win.
He added that he prayed for the players on the field to give their best, and that when the victory came he was happier than anyone in Bangladesh.
What is at stake
Shoriful’s return would give Bangladesh another pace option. They lead the two-match series 1-0, so a draw in Mackay would secure their first series win over Australia, while Australia must win to level it.
