Bangladesh have been dealt a big setback forward of their upcoming one-off Take a look at in opposition to Zimbabwe after star wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das was dominated out. The skilled batter, who has been sidelined through the ODI sequence in opposition to Australia, is not going to get better in time for the red-ball fixture in Harare.
Why Litton Das will miss the one-off Take a look at?
Litton’s absence comes after he sustained a left calf pressure through the ODI leg in opposition to Australia in Dhaka. The damage had already pressured him to sit down out the just lately concluded three-match T20I sequence in Chattogram, and additional medical assessments confirmed that he wouldn’t be match sufficient to take part within the Take a look at match scheduled to start on June 28.
In response to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), their medical workers concluded that the restoration window accessible earlier than the Zimbabwe Take a look at was too quick for Litton to regain full match health. Moderately than dashing one of many group’s most vital batters again into motion, the selectors opted to depart him out and give attention to his rehabilitation.
The timing is unlucky for Bangladesh, as Litton has been a key determine within the facet throughout codecs. His expertise behind the stumps and talent to anchor the batting order would have been precious in abroad circumstances.
The multi-format tour begins with the one-off Take a look at at Harare Sports activities Membership earlier than shifting right into a three-match ODI sequence on July 6, 9 and 11 on the similar venue. The motion will later transfer to Bulawayo for 3 T20Is on July 15, 17 and 19. Litton, together with quick bowler Taskin Ahmed, can also be anticipated to overlook the T20I leg due to commitments within the Lanka Premier League.
Substitute introduced for Litton
With Litton unavailable, the Bangladesh Nationwide Choice Panel has handed a call-up to 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan. The transfer provides Mahidul a possibility to ascertain himself within the nationwide setup as Bangladesh look to keep up stability in each their batting and wicketkeeping departments. His inclusion ensures the touring occasion has a like-for-like substitute able to performing twin tasks.
Bangladesh have already begun their preparations for the Zimbabwe tour, with the primary group of Take a look at gamers departing on Sunday. The members who just lately featured within the white-ball sequence in opposition to Australia are anticipated to hyperlink up with the squad shortly.
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Phil Simmons stresses dedication to Bangladesh’s Take a look at id
Whereas the damage to Litton has altered Bangladesh’s plans, head coach Phil Simmons has made it clear that the group’s broader focus stays unchanged. Talking forward of the tour, Simmons stated he’s extra within the model and customary of cricket his facet produces than the ultimate outcome.
The coach pointed to Bangladesh’s latest performances in opposition to Pakistan as proof of the model of Take a look at cricket the group needs to embrace and insisted that method would proceed in opposition to Zimbabwe whatever the opposition.
Simmons additionally described the Harare Take a look at as helpful preparation for the difficult tour of Australia later this yr however cautioned that the group nonetheless has appreciable work forward earlier than dealing with a a lot harder task. For now, Bangladesh’s consideration is firmly fastened on placing collectively a disciplined efficiency in Zimbabwe regardless of the absence of one among their senior stars.
“As of late, I don’t fear about these issues. The factor is that we’ve began enjoying cricket in a means that we need to play it, particularly in Take a look at cricket. The final two matches in opposition to Pakistan confirmed how we need to play Take a look at cricket. That’s the best way we’re going to go to Zimbabwe and attempt to play. It’s good preparation for the Australia Take a look at sequence. However there’s work to be executed when the Take a look at boys come again. We’ve got time earlier than we go to Australia. There’s extra work to be executed earlier than we go there. Australia is a distinct proposition from Zimbabwe. Proper now, although, we’re concentrating on the Zimbabwe Take a look at match,” stated Simmons in an announcement.
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