Mushfiqur Rahim (PTI Photo)
Mushfiqur Rahim, the seasoned
Bangladesh
batter, will be absent from the upcoming two-Test series against the
West Indies
, set to commence on November 22.
Rahim's absence stems from a finger injury sustained during the first ODI against Afghanistan in Sharjah on November 6.
While keeping wickets, he fractured the tip of his left index finger, an injury that forced him out of the ongoing three-match ODI series.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has indicated that Rahim's participation in the three-match ODI series starting on December 8 is also uncertain.
Medical professionals estimate a recovery period of four to six weeks, effectively ruling him out of the Test series against the West Indies.
Following the Test series, Bangladesh is slated to play three ODIs and three T20Is against the West Indies.
Mushfiqur, having already retired from T20I cricket, is expected to rejoin the team for the ODI leg of the tour if his recovery aligns with expectations.
In the opening ODI against Afghanistan, the right-handed batter, hampered by his injury, came in to bat lower down the order.
However, he was later ruled out of the remaining matches in the series.
He managed only a solitary run while chasing a target of 236, with Bangladesh eventually collapsing for 143 runs.
Despite this setback, Bangladesh rallied in the second ODI, securing a convincing 68-run victory.
The third and final ODI is scheduled for Monday in Sharjah.
Rahim is anticipated to return to Bangladesh shortly to concentrate on his rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh team management has yet to announce a replacement for Mushfiqur in the ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan.
Bangladesh Test squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Litton Das (wicketkeeper), Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vice-captain), Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, and Hasan Murad.
Bangladesh Tour of West Indies Fixtures:
Tests:
- 1st Test: November 22 to 26, Antigua
- 2nd Test: November 30 to December 4, Jamaica
ODIs:
- 1st ODI: December 8, St. Kitts
- 2nd ODI: December 10, St. Kitts
- 3rd ODI: December 12, St. Kitts
T20Is:
- 1st T20I: December 16, St. Vincent
- 2nd T20I: December 18, St. Vincent
- 3rd T20I: December 20, St. Vincent.