XtraTime Web Desk: Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan may make a return in the do or die match against Sri Lanka in the Nidahas Trophy tomorrow, where the winner of the game will face India in the final in Colombo on Sunday.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has made this announcement today and this will mean that Shakib will take over the captain’s role from stop gap skipper Mahmudullah. As per sources Shakib will reach Colombo in the evening today. The star all-rounder sustained an injury on his left finger during the final of the tri-series against Sri Lanka on January 27. As a result he didn’t take part in the Tests as well as ODIs against the islanders at home.
The all-rounder’s return should provide a much-needed boost for the bowling, which hasn’t looked at its best. Shakib could also fill the role of a pinch-hitter in the batting line-up. On the other hand it would definitely be a headache for the home side ahead of the must win game.
Bangladesh Cricket Team coach Courtney Walsh though don’t want to comment on Shakib’s availability and want to take the final call after having a look at his current condition.
“He is on his way here and he will have to be assessed like any other player so, we will have a look at him and whether he is fit to play or not and if he is fit enough to play obviously with a player of his class and caliber it’s something we have to consider. He is on his way here and once we assess him, then we can make an announcement regarding his availability,” said Walsh.
In the absence of Shakib, Mahmudullah led the side in the ongoing T20 tri-nation series. Now after the arrival of Shakib who will be the captain? According to Walsh there would be no problem and after Shakib’s arrival they will sit together and see what they need to do for the betterment of Bangladesh cricket.
“Absolutely not. He was here before, and he joined the practice session as well and passed the tests, now again he is coming back and once he comes back we will sit with everybody and see what we need to do for the betterment of Bangladesh cricket. If Shakib is fit to play he will be consider for the playing XI either not.”
Sri Lanka coach Chandika Hathurusingha is giving a lot of respect to Shakib and feels that it will be a big advantage of Bangladesh if Shakib plays tomorrow’s game.
“We have nothing else to do because he is a very good player. We prepared from the very first day with the belief that he is going to play and I think it’s an advantage for them because then they can try a different combination when Shakib comes in, they can add a batsman if they want and also they can add a bowler too, that’s an advantage for them and we know that. We are only thinking about what Shakib can do and how we are going to tackle his four overs and then how we are going to restrict him when he will come to bat,” told Hathurusingha.