Mustafizur Rahman expected to be back for Sri Lanka series

Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman who is recuperating from a shoulder injury might make his comeback for the full tour in Sri Lanka next month. Bangladesh chief selector Minhajul Abedin gave the indication after watching his performance in his latest first-class appearance. Playing two matches for the South Zone in the Bangladesh Cricket League, the cutter specialist picked up 4 wickets in 48 overs.

He was not included in the Bangladesh squad for the recently concluded one-off Test against India to give him enough time to fully recuperate from his shoulder injury which he sustained during the Natwest T20 Blast in July while playing for Sussex. He made his return for the New Zealand series but couldn’t leave up to his expectations and finished with only 5 wickets in 4 matches.

“I am really impressed with the way he bowled in the second innings against Central Zone. I think he got back his rhythm, so there is no need for him to play the fourth-round match. You can only know whether he will be in the Test team or not when we announce it but I can say that he is ready to play the full series in Sri Lanka,” Minhajul was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo.

Mustafizur said that he is back to full fitness and has regained the confidence of bowling long spells. As per reports, he is expected to join the national camp for the Sri Lanka tour on 24th February. “I felt a little discomfort on my back but gradually everything was fine. I bowled 31 overs with ease. Playing two rounds of BCL matches helped me a lot to get back full confidence in my bowling,” Mustafizur was quoted as saying by the Daily Star.

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“I now have full confidence to play the Sri Lanka series but the selectors and team management will take the decision about what would be best for me. I missed the Test in India so I am looking forward to Sri Lanka. Mentally I am also fresh now and I am happy with the way I bowled in the last round of the BCL,” he further added.

Former Bangladesh all-rounder and the current director of BCB, Khaled Mahmud has urged the team management to handle the workload of this promising aspect very carefully. “I am sure he can play in all three formats in Sri Lanka but we have to keep in mind that he has just returned from a major injury. If we handle him with care, his career will be prolonged,” Mahmud opined.