The Sylhet Test took an unexpected turn when Bangladesh’s opening batsman, Shadman Islam, was stretchered off with an ankle injury early on the second day against the West Indies. The incident raised concerns over his participation for the remainder of the match.
Shadman found himself in trouble in the 78th over while trying to field a stroke from Amir Jangoo off Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s bowling. As Shadman chased the ball from his position at slip, an unfortunate slip led to him twisting his ankle and collapsing near the boundary, visibly in discomfort. Replays indicated dew on the field surface might have caused the slip.
The injured opener, who shone with a century during the first Test, was swiftly taken to a local hospital for an MRI scan, and his involvement in the rest of the match now hangs in the balance. If he’s unable to continue, Bangladesh face the challenge of continuing the Test with a player short.
On the opening day of play, West Indies had managed to score 235 for 4 over the course of 70 overs before play was halted due to unfavourable light conditions. Shadman’s injury adds a dramatic twist to an already intriguing contest between the two sides. The rest of Bangladesh’s squad and supporters were evidently worried as they witnessed the incident, rallying to his aid as he lay on the ground.
