Injury Scare for Bangladesh Ahead of Decisive Test

COLOMBO: Just before the crucial second Test against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh faced a setback as captain Najmul Hossain Shanto suffered a finger injury during a catching practice on Monday.

Following the incident, Shanto, who previously sustained a finger injury before the first Test in Galle, where he achieved centuries in both innings, did not participate in fielding or batting practice.

His condition will be closely monitored over the next day leading up to the second Test, scheduled to commence on Wednesday at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo.

In positive news for Bangladesh, all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has rejoined training after recovering from a fever that kept him out of the drawn Test in Galle.

Prior to the team’s practice in Colombo, Shanto spoke to the media, highlighting Miraz’s value to the team.

“Miraz is a key player for our team, contributing significantly with both his batting and bowling. His performances have been impactful in every match. I believe the team’s balance will improve with his return. I hope he performs well in this match,” Shanto stated.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s pacer Milan Rathnayake will miss the match due to a left-side strain sustained during the first Test.

Moreover, veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews is unavailable, having announced his retirement from Test cricket on Saturday, concluding a 15-year career.

Sri Lanka has responded by adding left-arm pacer Vishwa Fernando and spinner Dunith Wellalage to their squad. Fernando, with 27 Tests and 79 wickets, brings considerable experience.

Wellalage has played in one Test match previously, against Pakistan in 2022.

Both teams have a lot at stake in the second Test, as the victor will claim their first series win in the current ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.

The first Test concluded in a draw, with strong batting performances from both sides.

Najmul Hossain Shanto stood out, scoring 148 in the first innings and an unbeaten 125 in the second, earning him the Player of the Match award.