Massive update on Shakib Al Hasan's availability for 2nd Test against India, Bangladesh coach says 'at the moment...'

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe has confirmed on Wednesday, September 25 that veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is available for the second Test against India. 

Bangladesh coach confirms Shakib Al Hasan's availability for Kanpur Test

The second Test between India and Bangladesh will be played in Kanpur from September 27. Dismissing concerns about his fitness, Hathurusinghe stated that Shakib has recovered from the finger injury he sustained during the first Test in Chennai. The second Test is set to begin on Friday, and Shakib's participation will be a significant boost for Bangladesh. The 37-year-old spin all-rounder was introduced to the bowling attack late in the first Test and managed to bowl only 21 overs across both Indian innings.

"At the moment, I haven't heard from my physio or from anyone. He is still eligible for selection," Hathurusinghe said after Bangladesh's training session in Kanpur.

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Hathurusinghe praises Shakib's resilience

Coach Chandika Hathurusinghe commended Shakib Al Hasan for his valiant effort against the formidable Indian bowling attack in the second innings of the first Test. Despite facing a quality opposition, Shakib contributed a valuable 25 runs from 56 balls. In the first innings, he had earlier top-scored for Bangladesh with 32 runs from 64 balls. However, it's worth noting that Shakib's recent form has been inconsistent. During Bangladesh's historic Test series win in Pakistan, he struggled to make significant contributions, scoring 15, 2, and 21 not out in his three innings. Moreover, Shakib's form in preceding first-class and T20 matches against various opponents was equally challenging. His scores during this period included 12, 0, 36, 4, 1, 24, and 2.

"I am not upset about his performance. Our overall performance, we could have done better. I am sure that he also thinks that he can perform better. We all know what he is capable of. He batted really well in the second innings. He couldn't go on, not because of lack of pride. It's the sheer quality of the opposition," he said added.

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India on a high with Chennai Test triumph

India continued their impressive form, securing a resounding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test. This win marked another dominant performance from the Indian team, who faced a formidable opponent coming off a historic 2-0 series win over Pakistan.

India squad for 2nd Test
 

Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Yash Dayal

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