Bangladesh have suffered a major blow ahead of the one-off Test against Zimbabwe, with in-form wicketkeeper-batter Litton Kumar Das ruled out due to a calf injury.
Litton, who also missed the recently concluded three-match T20I series against Australia in Chattogram after sustaining the injury during the ODI leg in Dhaka, has been replaced in the squad by Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan.
“Das is recovering from a left calf strain and has already missed the recently concluded T20I series against Australia. The BCB Medical Team has assessed his condition and is of the opinion that the batsman will struggle to attain match fitness for the Test within the available timeframe,” the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said in a statement.
“The BCB National Selection Panel has called up 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan as Das’s replacement in the Test squad,” it added.
The tour will begin with the one-off Test at the Harare Sports Club from June 28. Following the Test, the teams will face off in a three-match ODI series at the same venue on July 6, 9 and 11.
The action will then move to Bulawayo, where the Queen’s Sports Club will host the T20I series on July 15, 17 and 19.
Litton and Taskin Ahmed are set to miss the T20I series due to their Lanka Premier League commitments.
The first batch of Bangladesh’s Test squad members left for Zimbabwe on Sunday, while the players involved in the recently concluded white-ball series against Australia are expected to join the touring party shortly.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons insisted he is not overly concerned about results and is instead focused on ensuring the team continues to play the brand of Test cricket it has committed to.
“These days, I don’t worry about those things,” Simmons said when asked about winning or losing against Zimbabwe. “The thing is that we’ve started playing cricket in a way that we want to play it, especially in Test cricket.
“The last two matches against Pakistan showed how we want to play Test cricket. That’s the way we’re going to go to Zimbabwe and try to play. Whether you’re playing Zimbabwe or England, you’re playing Test cricket and you have to play to a certain standard.
“If you’re playing ODI or T20 skyexchange cricket, you also have to play to a certain standard. It doesn’t matter who you’re playing against. That’s how I look at it.”
Simmons added that the Zimbabwe Test would serve as useful preparation for Bangladesh’s tour of Australia later this year, though he stressed there was still plenty of work to be done.
“It’s good preparation for the Australia Test series. But there’s work to be done when the Test boys come back. We have time before we go to Australia. There’s more work to be done before we go there. Australia is a different proposition from Zimbabwe. Right now, though, we’re concentrating on the Zimbabwe Test match.”
Bangladesh have suffered a significant setback ahead of their upcoming one-off Test against Zimbabwe, as star wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das has been ruled out due to a calf injury. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed that Litton will not recover in time to participate in the Test match scheduled to begin on June 28 in Harare.
Litton’s absence comes as a major blow for Bangladesh, considering his importance to the team across all formats of the game. Known for his elegant batting style and reliable wicketkeeping skills, Litton has been one of Bangladesh’s most consistent performers in recent years. His experience and leadership on the field will certainly be missed as the team prepares for a challenging contest against Zimbabwe.
The injury is a left calf strain that has already kept Litton out of the recently concluded T20I series against Australia. According to the BCB medical team, further assessments revealed that he would struggle to regain full match fitness before the Zimbabwe Test. Rather than risking a premature return, the team management has decided to allow him additional recovery time.
To fill the void left by Litton, the Bangladesh National Selection Panel has called up wicketkeeper-batter Mahidul Islam Ankon as his replacement. The 27-year-old has limited international experience but now has an opportunity to prove himself on the big stage. Team officials will be hoping that Ankon can step up and contribute effectively both behind the stumps and with the bat.
The timing of Litton’s injury is particularly unfortunate for Bangladesh. The team is looking to build momentum ahead of a busy international schedule that includes One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals against Zimbabwe, followed by other important assignments later in the year. Litton’s recovery will therefore be closely monitored, and the BCB has not yet confirmed whether he will be available for the limited-overs matches that follow the Test.
Despite the setback, Bangladesh remain optimistic about their chances. Head coach Phil Simmons has emphasized the importance of maintaining the team’s playing style and standards regardless of the opposition. He believes the Zimbabwe Test will serve as valuable preparation for future challenges and an opportunity for other players to showcase their abilities.
For Litton, the immediate focus will be on rehabilitation and returning to full fitness. Fans across Bangladesh will be hoping to see one of their most talented cricketers back in action soon. While his absence weakens the side, it also creates an opportunity for emerging players to make an impact and strengthen Bangladesh’s squad depth.
As the countdown to the Harare Test continues, Bangladesh must now adapt to life without one of their key players. The team’s ability to overcome this challenge could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the series and setting the tone for the remainder of the tour.
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