Shanto awaits green light for Afghanistan Test

Bangladesh are still waiting on Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s availability for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, starting on October 9 in Abu Dhabi. However, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) sources said Shanto looked fit after beginning individual batting session in Mirpur today.

Sources said Shanto had suffered from dengue fever in Japan, but the medical department has remained positive about his recovery.

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BCB chief selector Habibul Bashar was also optimistic about Shanto’s recovery but wants to wait for clearance from the medical department.

“Medically, he is fine and reports suggest he is fit. But given that he had fever, he was struggling with fitness. So we will get an assessment soon regarding the player,” Bashar told reporters.

Shanto was ruled out of the Asian Games on September 28 following a bout of fever and returned home without playing a match.

He faced Taskin Ahmed and other bowlers in the nets on Sunday without any discomfort, providing relief for the Test side ahead of the Afghanistan match.

“He is ready [for a five-day match] and there is no problem,” a team management source said after his practice session.

“He batted today and faced no problems. He will undergo another session tomorrow. After he gives feedback [following the practice session], we will decide. It also depends on the team management,” another source said.

If all goes smoothly, Shanto is expected to catch a flight to the UAE late on Monday night. Most of the Test squad are already in Dubai and began their two-day practice game against the UAE on Sunday. The players who featured in the Asian Games are also scheduled to join the Test squad in Dubai on Tuesday.

Bangladesh will then play a tri-nation series, involving Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, starting October 17. The Test players are expected to feature in the third round of the ongoing National Cricket League to prepare for the home Test series against the West Indies, beginning on October 28.