Mushfiqur Sidelined for Series Opener as Bangladesh Begin Final WTC Push

Dhaka: Bangladesh will begin their first Test against West Indies without Mushfiqur Rahim, after the veteran wicketkeeper-batter failed to recover sufficiently from a finger injury sustained in the nets.

Mushfiqur was struck by a bouncer while batting at the BCB Academy premises on Tuesday, a blow that forced him out of the nets in visible pain. On Wednesday morning, discomfort returned as he attempted to put on his gloves. An X-ray subsequently revealed no tear.

Team physiotherapist Bayjedul Islam Khan confirmed the diagnosis and offered a timeline for recovery.

“He sustained an injury to his right index finger during practice yesterday. He remained under observation, but there had not been sufficient improvement by this morning. It is a contusion injury, and we hope he will recover within the next three days. He will be available for the next Test,” Khan said.

Mushfiqur is expected to return for the second Test in Sylhet, which begins on November 5. His absence is softened by recent form: he scored 81 in his most recent Test appearance against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi earlier this month.

Hridoy’s Opportunity

Towhid Hridoy has been drafted into Bangladesh’s XI for the opening Test, presented with an opportunity to stake a claim in a batting order missing one of its most experienced figures.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and elected to bat first at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, backing his side to post a total on a surface that will be expected to deteriorate as the match progresses.

The series forms part of Bangladesh’s remaining six Tests in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, and the arithmetic is unforgiving. To reach the final for the first time, Bangladesh need four wins and at least one draw from those six matches.

That equation leaves little room for error, and the loss of Mushfiqur for the opener complicates an already demanding task. His experience behind the stumps and his record in the middle order are assets Bangladesh can ill afford to lose for long.

The hosts will hope the contusion settles quickly and that Mushfiqur is available in Sylhet. Until then, the burden falls on a batting line-up that must find a way to deliver without one of its most reliable hands.

                                               

Relevant news