Double injury blow for Bangladesh

Senior batter Mushfiqur Rahim has been ruled out of the first Test against the West Indies after injuring his right index finger during training ahead of the Mirpur Test, while his replacement, Towhid Hridoy, was stretchered off on the opening day after suffering a left-leg injury. 

Hridoy made 42 off 84 balls before leaving the field, having shared an 88-run partnership with Shadman Islam.

Mushfiq is set to miss a Test for the first time in nearly two years. The former skipper missed both Tests during Bangladesh’s tour of the West Indies in 2024 but has since featured in 11 consecutive Tests. Now, he will again be sidelined against the same opponents in the opening match of their return series in Bangladesh.

The 39-year-old injured his right index finger while facing a net bowler’s bouncer on the eve of the Mirpur Test. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)'s medical department said scans following immediate treatment revealed no serious damage. However, with the finger badly bruised, the team management decided against taking any risks.

Mushfiq was just 43 runs short of becoming the first Bangladesh batter to score 7,000 runs in Test cricket. His fans had hoped he would reach the milestone in this match, but the injury has delayed that prospect.

Bangladesh team physiotherapist Bayezidul Islam said in a video message: “Mushfiqur Rahim sustained an injury to his right index finger. He has been under our observation since then. There had not been sufficient improvement by this morning. It is a contusion injury. We hope it will heal within the next three days, allowing him to play in the next Test.”

It was also an unfortunate day for Hridoy, who was drafted into the XI in place of Mushfiq. Play had to be stopped twice on the opening day because of the batter’s injury.

The right-hander was on 39 when he went down beside the pitch after taking two runs with Shadman off the second ball of the 63rd over. He appeared to be suffering from a cramp in his leg muscle, prompting the physio to rush onto the field. After receiving initial treatment, Hridoy was able to resume batting.

However, he could not continue for long. After taking a single off Joshua Bishop on the fifth ball of the 65th over, Hridoy sat down again, clutching the area below his left knee and writhing in pain. He was subsequently carried off the field on a stretcher.

Before his departure, Hridoy scored 42 off 82 balls, including three boundaries. His 88-run stand with Shadman played an important role in advancing Bangladesh’s innings. The extent of Hridoy’s injury, however, will only be known after further medical examinations.

Interim batting coach Salahuddin sees no reason to worry about Towhid Hridoy’s condition. Speaking at the post-match press conference on the first day, he said, “Hridoy suffered from cramps. Hopefully, he will recover overnight and be able to bat again tomorrow (the second day).”