Taskin Ahmed ruled out of first ODI against India owing to backpain
Shoriful Islam has been called up as a backup player in the squad.
Bangladesh were handed a major blow ahead of their three-match ODI series against India as their ace bowler Taskin Ahmed was ruled out of the first game owing to a persistent backache. Given his current form, it was anticipated that the 27-year-old fast bowler would spearhead the home team's pace attack during India's visit.
In the absence of Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam has been added to the squad as a backup. Bangladesh’s tryst with injuries is not just limited to Ahmed’s back pain as Tamim Iqbal suffered a groin injury in the warm-up game ahead of the ODI series at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur, on November 30.
“Taskin is ruled out from the opening game of the ODIs as his back pain recurred. We will be seeing his progress before taking further decisions regarding his participation. We are waiting for Tamim's scan report. He had a groin injury and the physician asked him to have a scan to take a decision about his availability,” BCB chief selector Minhajul Abedin told Cricbuzz on Thursday.
The two teams will play two Test matches after the conclusion of the ODI series. India's squad for ODI and Test matches has already been confirmed by the BCCI as the Men in Blue get ready to begin their tour of Bangladesh and start their preparations for the ODI World Cup in 2023. After a disappointing semi-final exit from the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, India would be hoping to end the year on a high.
India's senior players prepare to get back in action
The first two ODIs of the series will be hosted by the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur on December 4 and December 7 before the action shifts to the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram for the third ODI which is scheduled for December 10.
India recently faced New Zealand in an ODI series but the squad was led by stand-in skipper Shikhar Dhawan and most of the senior pros were rested after a hectic T20 World Cup schedule. Regular skipper Rohit Sharma will return back to his duties, while KL Rahul and Virat Kohli will also be joining the squad back. On the other hand, the hosts will be under Tamim Iqbal’s leadership.
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