Bangladesh's Mahmudul Hasan Joy May Miss Pakistan Test Series Due To Injury

The Bangladesh Cricket Team faces a significant challenge ahead of their Test series against Pakistan. Reports indicate that opening batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy will miss the tour due to a groin injury.

Mahmudul, currently in Pakistan, participated in a four-day practice match for the Bangladesh A side against Pakistan A. He scored 65 runs out of his team's total of 122 in the first innings but did not bat in the second innings.

Mahmudul's absence disrupts a stable opening partnership with Zakir Hasan. The duo had consistently opened for Bangladesh in their last five Tests. Mahmudul also scored 69 and 65 in another practice match last month.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief physician Debashish Chowdhury confirmed the injury, stating, "We have received a report indicating that Mahmudul has sustained an injury to his right groin. He will be rested for three weeks as a result."

If Mahmudul is ruled out, Shadman Islam is likely to take his place as the opener. In 12 Tests, Mahmudul has accumulated 623 runs, including one century and four fifties, averaging 25.95.

The Bangladesh team departed for Pakistan earlier this week for two ICC World Test Championship matches in Rawalpindi and Karachi. The first match begins on August 21, followed by the second on August 30.

Recovery Timeline

According to ESPNcricinfo, the Bangladesh team management stated it would take at least two weeks for Mahmudul to recover fully from his injury. This timeline potentially rules him out of the upcoming series against Pakistan.

The Bangladesh Test squad for the series includes Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, and Syed Khaled Ahmed.