BAN VS IND: Shakib Al Hasan all set to bowl against India in the final Test

BAN VS IND: Shakib Al Hasan and Ebadot Hossain didn’t bowl in the second innings of the first Test match in Chattogram. Bangladesh bowling coach Allan Donald has confirmed that Shakib Al Hasan is fit to bowl in the second test match against India starting on December 22 at Shere-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. Shakib bowled 12 overs in the first innings but didn’t bowl a single delivery in the second innings due to pain in his ribs while fielding.

Bangladeshi skipper, Shakib Al Hasan, sustained a minor injury to his ribs during the second ODI match against India on December 7. After the first Test, head coach Russell Domingo suggested that Shakib Al Hasan might play as a batter in the second match but now Donald has provided a positive update on Shakib’s availability for bowling in the Mirpur Test. 

BAN VS IND: Donald Speaks on Shakib Al Hasan’s Availability For 2nd test

“Shakib is okay, he will bowl. He was bruised and battered in the one-day game here, but he has gone through that. He is available for selection, and available to bowl,” Donald told reporters on Wednesday.

“Any selectors here? (laughs) If I am talking out of the room a little bit, it will be the same three spinners and welcoming back Taskin and Khaled as well. Sorry to the selectors but I am talking out of the room a little bit. That’s what I can see happening. Good news is that Shakib is good to go. Looking at the pitch, I think he will very much come into play,” Donald said.

Apart from Shakib Al Hasan, star pacer Ebadot Hossain also didn’t bowl in the second innings of the first Test match due to a back injury and is ruled out of the second Test. Taskin Ahmed is likely to come in place of Ebadot with no other changes to the squad. Donald also confirmed that Taskin is ready and looking forward to the match, which means the hosts will be playing with two pacers and three spin specialists at the spin-friendly Mirpur pitch.

“Taskin is good to go. He wanted to play the last Test but he was very much short of a gallop in terms of rhythm. The build-up in the last Test was crucial for him. He is looking forward to the contest,” Donald added.