Bangladesh’s coach Chandika Hathurusingha has said star bowler Mustafizur Rahman wasn’t fit to be selected in the squad for the one-off Test against India, starting February 9 in Hyderabad. Taking his side, captain Mushfiqur Rahim called the decision ‘wise’, as both feel the left-arm fast bowler isn’t 100% ready to return to five-day cricket.
From past six months, Rahman has been on the sidelines majorly. While playing for Sussex in NatWest T20 Blast in July, he injured his shoulder and later underwent a surgery in August.
After making a subtle return to international cricket in the New Zealand series, Mustafizur picked up four wickets in two ODIs and a one in two T20Is played. During the tour, he complained about his hamstring being injured and hence was ruled out.
Coach Hathurusingha said the injury is taking the toll on the seamer, claiming Mustafizur has dropped his pace from touch 140 kph to somewhere between 125-128 kph, which is surely a cause of concern. The coach, however, added given the time his injury is taking to heal, the management would want him to be fit by the Sri Lankan tour, which follows the India one.
“You can’t do anything about it because he has had a major operation. It will take time for him to come back. He is in the process of coming back. When he bowled in New Zealand, he was 120-128 kph but he has usually bowls at 140 kph. It will take time for him to get into full fitness. We are planning [to have him ready] for the Sri Lanka tour [that follows the India Test].”
Captain Rahim too had a say on his premium bowler, admitting he would a want a fit Mustafizur for a longer period of time than just having him for one Test match. Backing his absence, Rahim said its never easy to come out of a major operation and resume playing full-time cricket. He needs time to regain full fitness.
“We want a fit Mustafiz to play for us for a long time, not as though he will just play one Test and be done with. It’s difficult for any player to play a five-day match right after operation. I don’t remember when he last bowled 10 to 15 overs in the nets.”