Taskin a doubt for Afghanistan Test

Taskin Ahmed had to sit out Bangladesh’s one-off Test against Ireland and then their subsequent three-match One-Day International series against the same opponents in England due to a side strain.

However, since then, he has recovered and started bowling, and was included in the 15-man Bangladesh squad for their upcoming Test against Afghanistan, starting on June 14.

Despite Taskin being called up, there are still questions regarding his fitness, especially about whether he would be picked considering the World Cup later this year as there were talks about him being employed carefully to keep the pacer fit for the showcase event.

While he is in the squad, Bangladesh National Team chief selector Minhajul Abedin said that it was on the physio and trainers to decide whether he could play, and that the doubt regarding Taskin’s availability was the reason they included five pacers in the squad.

“(Whether Taskin will play) totally depends on the physio and trainers. That is why we picked five pacers. If he is not at this 100 per cent, it will be difficult. Still, we are hopeful that as it is only one Test, he will be totally fit and play,” Minhajul told the media on Monday.

If Taskin is indeed ruled out for the upcoming Test, it might open the door for young pacer Mushfik Hasan’s debut. The 20-year-old pacer has been called up to the national team for the first time in this series.

“Mushfik has the capability to bowl well consistently. Hope he will do well,” Minhajul said about the pacer.