Bangladesh's veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim has been ruled out of the first Test against the West Indies in Dhaka due to an index finger injury. However, the team management remains optimistic about his recovery ahead of the second and final Test, scheduled to begin in Sylhet on November 5.
Mushfiqur sustained the injury during a practice session on Tuesday while facing a net bowler, just a day before the start of the Dhaka Test. Although the injury initially appeared minor, subsequent assessments revealed that the batter had not shown sufficient improvement to be considered fit for selection.
Bangladesh team physiotherapist Bayjedul Islam Khan confirmed the development in a statement issued by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
"Mushfiqur Rahim got hurt on his index finger during practice yesterday. He was under observation afterwards. But there wasn't sufficient improvement till this morning," Khan said.
Describing the injury as a contusion, the physiotherapist expressed confidence that Mushfiqur would recover soon. "We are hopeful that he will recover in the next three days. He will be available for the next Test," he added.
Towhid Hridoy Replaces Mushfiqur
In Mushfiqur's absence, Bangladesh have included Towhid Hridoy in the playing XI for the opening Test. Hridoy has limited experience in the longest format, having featured in just one Test match earlier this year against Zimbabwe in Harare.
The team will hope that Hridoy can make a valuable contribution as Bangladesh look to compete against the West Indies in the series opener.
Mushfiqur's Impressive Test Career
Mushfiqur has enjoyed a largely injury-free international career and remains one of Bangladesh's most experienced Test cricketers. His absence from the Dhaka Test marks a rare occasion, with the veteran batter having missed a home Test more than two years ago against Sri Lanka for personal reasons.
The last time he missed a Test match due to injury was during Bangladesh's tour of the West Indies in November 2024.
Mushfiqur achieved a historic milestone last year by becoming the first Bangladesh cricketer to play 100 Test matches. Since reaching the landmark, he has maintained an impressive average of over 40 across six matches, underlining his importance to the national side.
In Bangladesh's most recent Test against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi earlier this month, Mushfiqur scored a duck in the first innings before responding with a well-made 81 in the second.
Bangladesh Hope for His Return in Sylhet
Mushfiqur's absence will be a significant setback for Bangladesh, given his experience and reliability in the middle order. Nevertheless, the team's medical staff are hopeful that the injury will heal within three days, allowing him to return for the second Test in Sylhet.
His availability for the final match could provide Bangladesh with a major boost as they look to finish the series strongly against the West Indies.
