Bangladesh Eye Mushfiqur Rahim Comeback for Sylhet Test

Bangladesh are hoping to welcome back Mushfiqur Rahim for the second Test against West Indies, after the veteran was ruled out of the opening match in Dhaka with a finger injury.

The Test began on Wednesday, and Rahim was not included in the side. Team physiotherapist Baijedul Islam Khan, however, is optimistic that the wicketkeeper-batter will be fit to take his place in the playing eleven when the series moves to Sylhet on November 5.

Speaking in a statement from the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Khan explained that Rahim was hit on the finger during Tuesday's practice while facing a net bowler. Though the blow did not look serious initially, the player was kept under watch. Overnight progress was limited, and further tests indicated that the team should not risk him.

Khan expects Rahim to recover within the next three days and remain available for the upcoming Test.

Tawhid Hridoy has been selected in Rahim's position for the Dhaka match. It is his second Test appearance.

Rahim's career has seldom been interrupted by injury. In fact, the last time Bangladesh hosted a Test without him was two years ago, when he sat out against Sri Lanka for personal reasons. His previous injury layoff was in the West Indies in November 2024.

Rahim reached a major milestone last year by becoming the 100th Test cricketer for Bangladesh. So far, he has played 106 Tests, scoring 6,957 runs with 14 centuries and 30 half-centuries.