Shoriful Islam dents Bangladesh ahead of India tour; gets injured in Pakistan

Bangladesh's bowling attack has been hit hard as Shoriful Islam is sidelined for the crucial ongoing second and final Test against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium due to a troubling groin injury.

The all-important game got underway on Saturday, August 31, in Rawalpindi.

The young fast bowler’s absence is a significant blow for the Bangladesh cricket team, as they are aiming to win the second Test to record a historic clean sweep in the ongoing series against Pakistan after winning the first Test by 10 wickets in Rawalpindi.

Groin injury sidelines Shoriful Islam for crucial Test against Pakistan

After the Pakistan vs Bangladesh Test match kicked off on Saturday, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed that Shoriful has a groin strain, which ruled the pacer out of the ongoing crucial game in Rawalpindi.

The groin injury has left Shoriful racing against the clock to recover in time for Bangladesh's upcoming tour of India, where they will play a two-match Test series from September 19.

With two Tests on the horizon, Shoriful’s fitness is under intense scrutiny, and the pressure is mounting for a swift return to action for the crucial India tour.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh physio, Bayjedul Islam Khan, confirmed that the fast bowler experienced discomfort in his groin area after the first test, and the subsequent medical assessments have confirmed the severity of the issue.

The team physio revealed that the MRI scan confirmed a Grade 1 left adductor strain to Shoriful Islam, and now they are hoping for his speedy recovery to bolster their chances in the high-stakes Test series against India.

Bayjedul also revealed that Shoriful Islam has already started his rehab. Notably, the first IND vs BAN Test will be held in Chennai on September 19.

Shoriful has started his rehab: Bangladesh physio Bayjedul Islam Khan

Bayjedul Islam Khan stated: “Shoriful underwent an MRI following the first test, and the results show a Grade 1 left adductor strain. Recovery usually takes around 10 days in such cases, and he has started his rehab.”

Meanwhile, Shoriful Islam made a notable impact in Bangladesh's 10-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first Test in Rawalpindi, where he claimed three crucial wickets and contributed with the bat, smashing two sixes in a quickfire 14-ball 22.

However, Shoriful Islam was sidelined from the second Test, with Taskin Ahmed replacing him in Bangladesh’s playing XI against Pakistan.

Shoriful Islam could so far play only 11 Tests for Bangladesh, as he missed 11 matches since his debut three years ago, highlighting his struggle with injuries, which is a serious cause of concern for the Tigers.

On the other hand, Taskin made a Test comeback after more than a year away from the format. Notably, the Bangladesh cricket team’s calendar remains packed through the end of 2024.

Following the upcoming tour of India, Bangladesh will host South Africa for two Tests in October before embarking on a full tour of the West Indies in November and December.

Speaking about the second Test, Bangladesh had a great start with Taskin removing Abdullah Shafique for a duck, but after the first wicket, the bowlers are struggling to put pressure on the Pakistani batters with the current score read 103/1.