Bangladesh left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam has cleared his fitness test following a Grade-1 hamstring injury, a source close to the development confirmed to TIMES of Bangladesh on Monday.
However, his final fitness report is yet to be assessed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) medical department. Shoriful is nevertheless expected to join the squad ahead of the second Test against Australia in Mackay, subject to final clearance. The second Test is scheduled to begin on August 22.
The source told TIMES, “He has done well and has passed the fitness test for the second Test satisfactorily. We informed the selectors today, and they will take it from there.”
Shoriful underwent the fitness test at the main ground of the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Monday. In the presence of a BCB physiotherapist, trainer and a pace bowling coach, he completed six rounds of running followed by high-intensity running drills.
The injury, which Shoriful sustained during the ODI series against Zimbabwe, ruled him out of the series opener against Australia in Darwin, scheduled to begin on August 13.
It remains unclear when Shoriful will fly to Australia, as the selection panel is still awaiting the final fitness report.
Naeem Islam, a member of the BCB national selection panel, told TIMES, “There are still some procedures remaining. Once all are completed and cleared, we will be able to let you know.”
“His fitness test report will come to us first, and only after receiving the report will a decision be made,” he added.
