Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is set to travel to the United Arab Emirates on Monday evening as he continues his recovery from fever ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan.
Shanto missed the cricket event at the Asian Games because of illness. His condition has improved considerably since then, and Bangladesh are now hopeful that he will be fit to return to the Test side when the match begins in Abu Dhabi on 9 October.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that Shanto will leave for the UAE today. His arrival will allow him to rejoin the squad and continue preparations for the Afghanistan Test, although his fitness will remain under observation following his recent illness.
Bangladesh are already preparing in the UAE. The team are currently playing a two-day practice match against the hosts in Dubai. With Shanto unavailable for the fixture, all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz is leading the side.
The practice match provides Bangladesh with an opportunity to adjust to local conditions before the more important Test assignment. It also gives the players valuable time in the middle as they work towards finalising their preparations for the Afghanistan encounter.
Chief selector Habibul Bashar Suman is optimistic about Shanto’s chances of playing in the Test. Speaking recently about the captain’s condition, Suman said he expected Shanto to be available against Afghanistan.
He also explained the difficulties Shanto faced after falling ill in Japan. The fever left him physically weak and he had to remain in his hotel. His inability to go outside also created problems with arranging meals. Despite those difficulties, Shanto’s condition has since improved, with Suman saying that the batter is now feeling better and is in generally good health.
Shanto’s return would be significant for Bangladesh because of his responsibilities as both captain and a key member of the batting line-up. After an illness, however, the team management will need to ensure that he has regained sufficient fitness before committing to his inclusion in the playing XI.
The one-off Test against Afghanistan will be held at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi from 9 to 13 October. Bangladesh will then remain in the UAE for a three-team ODI series featuring Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.
The upcoming Test is therefore the immediate priority for Bangladesh, while the subsequent ODI series will provide another competitive assignment for the squad. With Shanto now set to travel to the UAE, the team will hope his recovery continues smoothly and that he can return to lead Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi.
