Finger injury ends Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s New Zealand Test sojourn

Bangladesh batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy is set to miss the remainder of the two-match Test series against New Zealand after he sustained a finger injury. The 21-year-old developed the injury while practising ahead of the fourth day’s play of the opening Test at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

Going by the development, it remains to be seen if he comes out to bat provided Bangladesh get a chance to bat on Day five. The youngster will now be under the observation of the Bangladesh Cricket Board medical staff and will need around 10 days, if not more, to get fit.

“Mahmudul got a cut injury on his right hand in between third and fourth finger while fielding and he required three stitches. He will be under observation for seven to ten days. We are providing him all the medication that is required,” BCB physio Bayzidul Islam was quoted as saying on Cricbuzz.

Mahmudul Hasan Joy flourishes

Joy didn’t have the best of starts to his career after he made only six runs from two innings on debut against Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. However, he has performed exceptionally in the opening Test against New Zealand that Bangladesh have dominated across four days.

In the first innings, Joy scored 78 runs off 228 balls with the help of seven fours, taking his team off to a steady start. He was also involved in a crucial 104-run stand for the third wicket along with Najmul Hossain Shanto, who also chipped in with a handy 64-run knock off 109 balls.

On the back of his knock, Bangladesh posted 458 runs in their first innings, and mostly importantly, took a 130-run lead. Skipper Mominul Haque Showrabh and wicketkeeper Liton Das scored 88 and 86 respectively, and propelled the Tigers past the 400-run mark. Mehidy Hasan Miraz also made 47 vital runs in the first session of day four.

In the meantime, at the close of play on Day four in Mount Maunganui, the Black Caps are leading by 17 runs with five wickets left in their second innings. Ebadot Hossain picked up four wickets for 85 runs in 35.2 overs and didn’t let the Kiwis run away with the game.