‘Difficult to play if he is 50-60 per cent fit’
Ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan tested negative for Covid-19 and will join the Bangladesh side this evening in Chattogram.
After a medical checkup, the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) medical team can clarify whether the all-rounder can now play the first Test after he was initially ruled out of it upon testing positive for the virus following his return from the USA on Tuesday.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. "Anybody would want a fully fit Shakib in their best XI. It is very difficult to play if he is 50-60 per cent fit"
The team management will definitely see the possible availability of Shakib as an opportunity since it enables them to include five bowlers in the side. However, head coach Russell Domingo was keen on an assessment of Shakib's health after recovering from Covid-19 before taking any decision on his inclusion.
"Coming straight into a Test match, we need to check his fitness and assess where he is. He has just come off Covid, and he hasn't played much cricket. He's obviously a big player for us and balances the team. But we need to see how he is tomorrow. He hasn't batted or bowled for the last two or three weeks. It is five days of cricket. It is hot. There are all sorts of things to consider," Domingo said in a press conference at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium today before the Tigers' practice session.
Domingo could relate to Shakib's current condition, having had Covid previously. He said that it takes some time to get back into the groove physically.
"I have had Covid badly, so the energy does not remain quite the same. You can't go into a game straight away. It is not a T20 or ODI which is done in six or seven overs. It is going to happen for over five days. Of course, we want him to play, he is one of the best cricketers that's ever played. But we need to make sure that he gives himself the best chance to perform, and fulfill his role. Bowl at least 15 overs a day, bat for three or four overs in the top six."
Domingo had a word of caution for the team management too in terms of playing Shakib.
"Anybody would want a fully fit Shakib in your best XI. It is very difficult to play if he is 50-60 per cent fit," he said.
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