Mushfiqur Rahim is set to miss Bangladesh’s first Test against the West Indies in Dhaka, having sustained a finger injury while practising in the nets. However, team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan anticipates that the seasoned batter will be fit for the second Test in Sylhet, scheduled to begin on 5th November.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, during a practice session where Mushfiqur was facing a net bowler. Although initially not deemed severe, subsequent examinations advised caution. “Mushfiqur Rahim got hurt on his index finger during practice yesterday. He was under observation afterwards. But there wasn’t sufficient improvement till this morning,” Khan shared in a statement from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). “It is a contusion injury. We are hopeful that he will recover in the next three days. He will be available for the next Test.”
In Mushfiqur’s stead, Bangladesh has included Towhid Hridoy. Hridoy, who has limited experience with just one prior Test in Harare against Zimbabwe earlier this year, is stepping in with an opportunity to enhance his international career.
Throughout his long-standing career, Mushfiqur has generally been resilient to injuries. The last time he was absent from a home Test match was over two years ago, due to personal matters against Sri Lanka. His most recent injury-related absence from a Test was in November 2024 against the West Indies.
Having recently reached the milestone of 100 Test matches, Mushfiqur remains a vital asset for Bangladesh, maintaining an average above 40 over his past six matches. In his latest Test against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi this month, he notably scored a duck and an impressive 81.
