Shakib Al Hasan Is In Contention To Play The First Test Against Sri Lanka After Testing Negative For Covid-19
Published - 13 May 2022, 05:34 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:07 AM
Shakib Al Hasan, the Bangladesh all-rounder who tested positive for Covid-19 a few days ago, currently has negative findings and is in a position to play in the first Test against Sri Lanka.
After returning from the United States on May 9, Shakib tested positive for the virus and was placed in isolation according to the board’s guidelines. He could, however, play in the first Test, which begins on May 15.
Shakib was supposed to join the squad in Chattogram on May 11 until he tested positive for Covid and had to go into self-isolation. A squad spokesman said to ESPNcricinfo that Shakib will travel to Chattogram and that the all-rounder will have to pass more medical tests if he is to make the starting XI.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, would be delighted to have him back in the side, even if only for the second Test, as he’s been their most successful player across all formats for years.
Shakib last played in the longest format for Bangladesh against Pakistan in December 2021, and he was forced to skip the New Zealand tour owing to personal issues.
‘Shakib Al Hasan hasn’t batted or bowled for the last two or three weeks’: Russell Domingo
Head coach Russell Domingo, on the other hand, did not seem positive about Shakib’s chances of playing so quickly after recovery from Covid.
“Everyone wants a totally fit Shakib in their best XI,” Domingo remarked, “but it’s really difficult to play when he’s 50-60% fit.
“We need to examine his fitness and analyse where he is coming into a Test match.” He’s recently returned from Covid and hasn’t played much cricket.”
“He’s definitely a key player for us and helps to keep the team balanced. But we’ll have to wait and see how he is tomorrow. For the past two or three weeks, he hasn’t batted or bowled. Cricket will be played for five days. It is hot. There are numerous factors to consider.”
Since returning from a one-year ban for failing to report a corrupt contact, Shakib has only played three of Bangladesh’s previous eleven Tests.
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