Tanzid ‘positive’, Shoriful ‘ready’ as Tigers ponder XI for Mackay Test

Bangladesh received encouraging fitness news ahead of the second Test against Australia yesterday, with opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim returning to batting while pacer Shoriful Islam was declared fit and bowling well.

Tanzid had missed Thursday's training session because of a neck issue, raising concerns over his availability after his maiden Test century in the series opener in Darwin. But the left-hander batted in Friday's session, giving Bangladesh a positive sign ahead of Saturday's match.

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“Tamim also batted today. Overall, I think we will be able to make a better decision tomorrow morning,” Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said at the pre-match press conference on Friday.

Shanto, however, indicated that Bangladesh will not rush the decision on the opener.

“Tamim batted today, which is a positive sign, but according to medical terms, we want to observe him a bit more until tomorrow morning, so I hope he will be fine,” he said. “But we have all kinds of options, so I don't think there will be much of a problem.”

There was also a minor concern over veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim, who was struck on the finger while batting in the nets. He was able to resume his session, though Bangladesh will continue to monitor him.

At the other end of the team, Shoriful's fitness has given Bangladesh another option in their pace attack after their fast bowlers played a decisive role in the nine-wicket victory in Darwin.

“Shoriful is fine, he is healthy and bowling well too. I'm hoping that if he gets the opportunity, he will do something good,” Shanto said.

Bangladesh have five pace bowlers available for the Test, but Shanto said the final combination would only be decided after another inspection of the Mackay surface on Saturday morning.

“The five pace bowlers we have in the squad are all ready,” he said. “The positive side is that the two spinners we have bowl well in any conditions.”

The captain said the pitch looked good and sporting during their preparation, although the team will make its final assessment before the toss.

“We will come in the morning, look at the wicket again, and take whatever decision is best for the team,” he said.

The conditions could influence that decision, with stronger winds in Mackay potentially offering Australia's fast bowlers extra movement.

“Because of the wind, the bowlers will definitely get some help. They might get a bit of extra swing,” Shanto said. “If the bowlers can use the wind, there will definitely be an extra advantage for the bowlers.”