Published: Jul 19, 2017, 02:13 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 19, 2017, 01:45 PM (IST)
Ahead of the Australia Test series, Bangladesh seem to be suffering from serious injury scare as their star players Rubel Hossain and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan are in rehab, testing their fitness. Where Shakib injured his ligaments in the ankle last week during the net sessions, Rubel collided with a hotel door post the Champions Trophy semi-final defeat against India and suffered a cheekbone fracture. However, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) assistant physio Monirul Amin has assured that both the players would be fit before the 2-Test series gets underway from August 27. Meanwhile, Steven Smith and co. are expected to arrive in less than a month as the cloud of uncertainty continues to hover over them thanks to the CA-ACA pay dispute. Rubel Hossain undergoes surgery after door collision
On the development of Shakib and Rubel’s injury, Amin told BCB website, “Rubel got a fracture in his zygomatic bone (cheekbone) and it has been almost four weeks since he had an operation there. He will gradually start a lower body rehab program. After six weeks he can start full training. We are hopeful that he can start training after August.” Shakib, on the other hand, is showing progression and could resume training by the end of this week. “Shakib injured in his left ankle on 14th of July. We call it a left ankle strain, one or two ligaments of that part got injured.”
“It’s in the grade one level which is a simple injury. So we are keeping him in conservative treatment and rehab programme. He is already improving, the swelling is much less now. He will be fully fit to resume full-phased activities (in a) maximum of 10 days. We are expecting that within next one to two days he can take part in upper body exercise, lower body cycling, working,” Amin added.
Australia have not played a Test in Bangladesh since 2006. The last time they did, Jason Gillespie scored a memorable double-century, which was also his final Test.
This time Gillespie has urged Australia to embrace the unique experiences and support they receive from the fans in Bangladesh. “I’m looking forward to seeing them go out there and have a wonderful tour of Bangladesh. It’s a great place to play cricket, the crowds are fanatical, the public is right behind their side and they’re very respectful of other teams. (The fans) love Australian players. They’ll have wonderful time there and really enjoy,” Gillespie told cricket.com.au.
