“The report has confirmed a fractured right metacarpal”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Bangladesh limited overs captain Mashrafe Mortaza will be sidelined for four to six weeks after being diagnosed with a fractured thumb.

Mortaza suffered the injury in the third Twenty20 International against New Zealand on Sunday when he bowled a full toss to Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson in the 18th over.

Williamson struck the ball straight back down the pitch and Mortaza stuck out his right hand to try and stop it, but ended up getting hurt and left the field after being checked on by the physiotherapist.

The 33-year-old underwent an X-ray after his side’s 27-run loss, which confirmed the fracture.

“Mashrafe had an X-ray done immediately after the match and the report has confirmed a fractured right metacarpal,” Bangladesh physiotherapist Dean Conway said. “Recovery is expected to take between four to six weeks and will be followed by a short rehab. The injured area will be put in a cast as he recovers.”

Opener Tamim Iqbal and batsman Imrul Kayes also suffered minor injuries in the match as the former hurt his left thumb, but there was no evidence of any major injury.

“The thumb is sore but the X-ray has come clear. We will review his condition after 48 hours,” Conway said.

Kayes, meanwhile, injured his left knee after tripping over the advertisement boards, but did not have an X-ray. Like Iqbal, he will also be reassessed after 48 hours.