Shakib Al Hasan tests negative for Covid-19

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan who had earlier tested positive for Covid-19 a few days back has returned negative results now and is back in contention to play the first Test against Sri Lanka. Shakib had tested positive for the virus after returning from the USA on May 9 and had to undergo isolation as per the criteria of the board. However, he has chances of playing in the first Test which starts on May 15.

Shakib was expected to join the squad in Chattogram on May 11 until he tested positive and had to undergo self-isolation. According to ESPNcricinfo, a team official confirmed that Shakib will fly to Chattogram and the all-rounder will have to undergo further medical Tests if he has to make it to the playing XI. However, Bangladesh will be happy to have his presence back in the squad even if it is only for the second Test, as he has been their most prolific player across formats for years now.

Shakib last played for Bangladesh in the longest format against Pakistan in December 2021 and he had to miss out on the New Zealand tour due to personal reasons. On the South Africa tour, Shakib was part of the ODIs but, had to leave ahead of the Tests due to a health-related reason in his family.

Bangladesh has injury concerns lined up for the first Test

Bangladesh has a list of injury concerns ahead of the first Test as they will not have the services of Mehidy Hasan for the first Test who was injured in the recent Dhaka Premier league while Taskin Ahmed is yet to recover from his shoulder injury. Shoriful Islam will be available subject to fitness and Bangladesh will be hoping that Shakib makes it to the playing XI which will bring a lot of experience into both the batting and bowling departments.

The first of the two Tests between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will be held at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram while the second Test will be held at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.