Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the vice captain of Bangladesh, is expected to rejoin the team for the second Test match against Sri Lanka in Colombo, which begins on June 25.
The all-rounder has recovered and started training again after missing the Galle series opener due to a fever. Mehidy made his comeback to the Colombo training facility on Thursday, and team manager Nafees Iqbal attested to his improved health.
“He (Mehidy Hasan) is much better and came to the ground today,” squad manager Nafees Iqbal told Cricbuzz on Thursday afternoon.
In the previous series, Mehidy Hasan was named vice-captain, marking the team’s first assignment in the new World Test Championship cycle. Notably, Miraz has been a key element of Bangladesh’s Test setup. The 27-year-old, who was named ICC Player of the Month for April, is currently recovering from a purple patch after playing a significant part in the home Test series against Zimbabwe earlier this year. In Sylhet, his all-around bravery helped the local team put on a strong showing.
In the first Test, Sri Lanka is behind by 127 runs.
Mehidy Hasan has been named Bangladesh’s ODI captain for the upcoming season, taking Najmul Hossain Shanto’s place in addition to his Test duties. Along with Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Mortaza, he is one of the most renowned all-rounders from Bangladesh, having amassed 1,617 runs and 110 wickets in 105 One-Day Internationals.
“Being the national team’s captain is an incredible opportunity. I am immensely delighted to have been trusted by the Board. For my family and me, this is a proud time. I have faith in our team because we possess the abilities and mentality to play cricket without fear. Following his hiring, Mehidy Hasan stated, “I want us to continue playing with heart for the country, remain dedicated, and express ourselves confidently.”
Bangladesh scored 495 in the first Test, however, thanks to centuries from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (148) and Mushfiqur Rahim (163) as well as a useful 90 from Litton Das. After three days of play, the home team’s scorecard shows 368/4 and they are down by 127 runs.
Home