Mushfiqur Rahim Unlikely to Take Part in the 2nd Test Against New Zealand Confirms Steve Rhodes

Former Bangladesh skipper and a wicket-keeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim is unlikely to take part in the 2^nd Test against New Zealand which is slated to be played in Wellington. It was confirmed that Mushfiqur Rahi hasn’t attended full fitness for the 2^nd match of the series. In addition, reports have claimed that Rahim has also sustained a side strain.

Mushfiqur Rahim took part in the training session ahead of the 2^nd Test. However, fielding coach Steve Rhodes added that it will require a miraculous effort to be fit for the 2^nd Test which is slated to start from Friday. However, Steve Rhodes was optimistic of Rahim getting fit for the 3^rd Test slated to be played in Christchurch.

Mushfiqur Rahim is unlikely to take part in the 2nd Test against New Zealand

 “Situation with Mushy is he is trying his best to be fit as quickly as possible for the Test matches. Today was his first real hit with the tennis ball and rubber ball and finished with some cricket ball work. When he got to (playing with) the cricket ball, there was still a little bit of soreness in that ligament area, so it means he will be extremely doubtful for the second Test,” Rhodes was quoted as saying by Cricket Country.

“It will take an amazing recovery overnight but we all hold out hope all the time for Mushy. The good news is that he is on course for the third Test,” he added. It must be noted that the Bangladesh boys are already handicapped with the loss of Shakib Al Hasan. Meanwhile, there were concerns about the fitness of Tamim Iqbal. Tamim is suffering from a few niggles. However, Steve Rhodes was confident that Tamim Iqbal will be part of the playing XI.

 “Tamim had a light workout today; just a little bit sore but nothing major. He is in a good spot, scored over 200 runs (in the Hamilton Test) He [Tamim] is okay and the rest of the boys are fine, so there is no little drama in that respect,” Rhodes said.

Bangladesh hoping to register their first Test win in New Zealand

Bangladesh will be hoping to register their maiden Test win in New Zealand and try to level the series. They suffered an innings defeat in the opening Test in Hamilton. The visitors definitely need an inspired performance from their fast bowlers and batters to put a good total on the board. The visitors were bowled out for just 234. Despite putting up a fight in the 2^nd innings courtesy centuries from Soumya Sarkar and Mahmudullah, it was not possible for them to make New Zealand bat again. The hosts registered their highest ever Test score of 715/6 declared.

“What was pleasing in the last game was to see Soumya coming out and doing so well because in many ways he was a back-up batsman along with Liton,” Rhodes said. It will be an interesting battle on our hands when the two teams meet for the 2^nd Test in a few days time.