“He will be ready sooner than we think”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Bangladesh have been dealt a big blow after it was confirmed that wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim would miss the remainder of the ODI series against New Zealand and the upcoming Twenty20 series as well.

Rahim will be sidelined for two weeks after injuring his left hamstring while diving to complete a single during the first ODI in Christchurch on Boxing Day. Rahim tried to continue batting, but ultimately retired hurt on 42.

Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha expects Rahim to recover quicker than expected and feels that he will be fit for the two-Test series that begins on January 12.

“At this stage Mushfiq is out for two weeks,” Hathurusingha said. “But he is recovering well. I saw him in the pool today. You know Mushfiq, he is very driven and thorough in his preparation. I am sure he will do the same thing with his injury. He will be ready sooner than we think.”

With Rahim out, Nurul Hasan will make his ODI debut in the second ODI in Nelson on Thursday.

“If Mushfiqur was here, we would have had more options in selection. [Hasan] is coming in, and he is capable as anyone with the bat. He hasn’t played much international cricket but we are confident he can do a job,” Hathurusingha said.