Published: Jan 18, 2017, 05:37 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 18, 2017, 05:37 PM (IST)
Despite a disappointing result in the first Test of the ongoing series against New Zealand, Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha is hopeful of his team making a comeback. Bangladesh, having lost the first Test after being in a commanding position, are dealing with injury woes currently with three of the top players, skipper Mushfiqur Rahim, Imrul Kayes and Mominul Haque. Mushfiqur and Kayes had to be taken to the hospital, with the captain getting struck by a bouncer on the back of his head. Mushfiqur has also been diagnosed with a fracture in the thumb. Kayes had injured his upper left thigh during the same Test while Mominul suffered an injury in his chest.
Team physio Dean Conway had revealed before leaving Wellington that chances of Mushfiqur playing the second Test are significantly low. New Zealand doctors also recommend the player to remain off the field for a couple of week after getting a blow on head. However, Hathurusingha told prothom-alo.com, “Some of our key players are injured. We are waiting Mushfiqur to undergo one more test. We will get a clearer idea about his health conditions after consulting the doctors. Chances of Imrul playing are fifty-fifty. Mominul had injured his rib. But he is feeling better now. Hopefully, he will recover fully before the second Test.”
Full Cricket Scorecard: Bangladesh vs New Zealand, 1st Test Wellington
While Bangladesh supporters have been vocal about New Zealand pacers bowling back to back bouncers, Hathurusingha believes this was a regular strategy. “I don’t think there was anything wrong in it. We also did the same. We also bowled attackingly. Look at the Kamrul (Islam Rabbi) over. This is Test cricket, real cricket. I liked how Bangladesh fought and this is what we should do. I think, we have lost to a good team.
“I think Bangladesh played bravely. Imrul coming out to bat after leaving ground, Mushfiqur batting with an injured thumb — all these shows how dedicated they are towards their country.”
Even after the defeat, the coach is hopeful of Bangladesh making a comeback. “Making a comeback into the fight is not impossible. Time will tell if we can do that. But we are planning and trying to do that,” the coach said.
