Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Bangladesh’s vice-captain, is scheduled to return to the squad for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on June 25.
The all-rounder, who missed the series opener in Galle owing to a fever, has healed and returned to training. On Thursday, Mehidy returned to the Colombo training facility, with team manager Nafees Iqbal verifying his improved condition.
“He (Mehidy Hasan Miraz) is much better and came to the ground today,” squad manager Nafees Iqbal told on Thursday.
Notably, Miraz has played a key role in Bangladesh’s Test setup, and he was recently selected vice-captain for the current series, which also marks the team’s first assignment in the new World Test Championship cycle. Meanwhile, the 27-year-old is coming off a strong performance in the home Test series against Zimbabwe earlier this year, which earned him the ICC Player of the Month award for April. His all-around exploits in Sylhet propelled the home team to a dominant performance.
Sri Lanka trail by 127 runs in the first Test.
In addition to his Test responsibilities, Mehidy has been named Bangladesh’s ODI captain for the next 12 months, succeeding Najmul Hossain Shanto. He is one of Bangladesh’s most recognised all-rounders, having scored 1,617 runs and taken 110 wickets in 105 One-Day Internationals, alongside Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Mortaza.
“Being captain of the national team is a dream come true. I am extremely honoured by the Board’s confidence in me. This is a proud occasion for both me and my family. I believe in this bunch; we have the ability and mindset to play fearless cricket. I want us to express ourselves confidently, stay devoted, and continue to play with passion for our country,” Miraz stated following his appointment.
Meanwhile, in the first Test, Bangladesh scored 495 runs thanks to centuries from Mushfiqur Rahim (163) and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (148), as well as a useful 90 from Litton Das. In response, the home team’s scorecard shows 368/4 and they are losing by 127 runs after three days of play.
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