Najmul Hossain Shanto will travel to the UAE on Monday evening to join Bangladesh’s Test squad ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board’s media team confirmed the Test captain’s travel plans on Monday, bringing him a step closer to returning to the side after his recent illness.
Shanto resumed batting practice on Sunday at the National Academy Ground, facing Taskin Ahmed and net bowlers without showing any apparent discomfort. A BCB official monitoring his recovery told TIMES he looked ready to return to competitive cricket.
“Yes, he batted today without any complaint. He is all good and set to play the Test,” the official told TIMES.
However, the medical team still has to formally clear Shanto for the five-day match, which starts on October 9. Chief selector Habibul Bashar Sumon said the decision rests with the doctors.
“Clinically, he has recovered. Now the doctors will gradually assess the extent of his weakness,” Bashar told reporters on Sunday.
Shanto returned from the Asian Games in Japan after several days of fever. Bangladesh’s medical staff ruled out influenza and Covid-19, while tests showed evidence of an infection.
