BANGLADESH’S TOUR OF SRI LANKA, 2025
Miraz was missing from the team’s training session on the eve of the Test series opener. © Getty
Bangladesh is keeping their fingers crossed regarding the availability of in-form allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz for the two-match Test series opener at Galle, scheduled to begin on June 17.
Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons had said the team was hoping that Miraz will train with the team during their last training session ahead of the Test, after having skipped the previous training session due to a fever. However, doubts were raised regarding his availability as the all-rounder failed to attend the training session on Monday (June 16).
Cricbuzz understands that Miraz’s medical examination report declared him virus-free however the allrounder seemed to be extremely weak.
Bangladesh skipper Nazmul Hossain Shanto said that Mehidy’s unavailability will surely have an impact on their combination. “Miraz condition is better than before but he is still under observation,” Shanto told reporters at Galle on Monday.
“A lot of things depend on him as far as tomorrow’s combination is concerned because to be honest he is still not well. His health is improving but a lot of things depend on his availability and if he is alright we can play with a good combination,” he added.
Shanto also said that it is important for them to start the World Test Championship’s 2025-27 cycle on the right note while adding that they can take inspiration from their past results in the island country. Bangladesh finished with a solitary victory in the 2021-23 WTC cycle but fared better in the 2023-25 edition, registering four wins and they can take confidence from it as all of them four victories came overseas.
“It is very important to start the WTC in a positive note. We had good preparation back home. I hope we can start the competition very well. We have good memories in Sri Lanka, which will be helpful but every series is a new beginning. The top order has to provide the team with a good start. We have a good squad here, so it will be a great opportunity to do something special here,” he said.
“There will be challenges for the batters as spinners take a lot of wickets in this venue. But we also have to consider that there are a lot of runs here in the first 2-3 days. We have to bat well. We are enjoying each other’s company despite all the challenges.
“I had some good memories in Kandy. I want to take the opportunity in Galle. Playing spin may be challenging but there’s also a lot of runs in the first 2-3 days in Galle. We want to take that opportunity. I hope we can do that.
“I am happy with the Test squad. I think it is also quite positive that we all could agree on this combination. It is a balanced side with enough options for batting and bowling. We can pick the XI depending on the opposition and conditions. We also have to execute our plans by playing good cricket,” he added.
Bangladesh also received another minor scare when the skipper himself hurt his finger while taking slip catches, but he recovered well and Shanto carried on with the session by coming to the batting nets for a hit.
© Cricbuzz
