Shakib set to play in second Test against India

Bangladesh’s star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is fit to participate in the second Test against India, according to coach Chandika Hathurusinghe’s statement in Kanpur on Wednesday.

Media sources had reported that Shakib played the first Test with a finger injury, during which India defeated Bangladesh by 280 runs in Chennai.

Hathurusinghe assured that there were no injury concerns regarding Shakib, confirming he hadn’t heard any updates from the physio or team members.

Shakib is available for selection, and any team changes will depend on the pitch conditions for the Test starting on Friday.

The experienced all-rounder faces a murder charge amid a political crisis in Bangladesh, resulting from student protests against former leader Sheikh Hasina.

Shakib recently contributed to Bangladesh’s historic Test series win in Pakistan before choosing to play county cricket for Surrey instead of returning home.

In the first Test, Shakib scored 32 and 25 runs but did not take any wickets, raising concerns about his form and the team’s overall performance.

Hathurusinghe stressed the need for the team to improve, recognizing Shakib’s potential while acknowledging the strength of the Indian side.

Under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, India aims to solidify their position in the World Test Championship after their dominant victory over Bangladesh in the first Test.

India will host New Zealand for a three-Test series next month before heading to Australia for five matches, adding excitement to their schedule.

New fast bowler Akash Deep, joining India’s bowling ranks, is concentrating on his responsibilities without feeling pressured by future international tours.

Concerns regarding Kanpur Stadium’s safety have emerged, with infrastructure problems leading to reduced seating capacity and issues with floodlights impacting visibility for spectators.