Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim Ruled Out of Sri Lanka Tests Due to Injury

In a significant setback for Bangladesh, veteran cricketer Mushfiqur Rahim, aged 36, has been ruled out of the forthcoming Test series against Sri Lanka due to injury.

Mushfiqur sustained a thumb injury during Bangladesh’s victory in the third ODI against Sri Lanka. Despite the injury, he managed to take four catches behind the stumps and played a crucial role in supporting Rishad Hossain’s impressive innings.

He was unbeaten on 37, scoring at a rate better than a run a ball, when the game concluded in the 41st over.

Mushfiqur Rahim was instrumental in setting up a competitive total for Bangladesh against New Zealand in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

Bangladesh’s physiotherapist, Bayjedul Islam Khan, confirmed that Mushfiqur will be absent from the two-Test series against Sri Lanka and is likely to be out of action for up to four weeks.

“Post-match, Mushfiqur underwent an X-ray in Dhaka, which revealed an avulsion fracture on the MIP joint of his right thumb. He is currently receiving conservative treatment for his injury and is expected to be out of action for approximately three to four weeks. This will rule him out of the Test series against Sri Lanka,” Bayjedul stated.

Mushfiqur has been a vital cog in the Bangladesh Test team, amassing 5679 runs at an average of 38.09. His average against Sri Lanka is an impressive 53.84, with three centuries and seven half-centuries to his name.

Despite losing the T20I leg of the tour 2-1 to Sri Lanka, the hosts bounced back to clinch the ODI series 2-1.

The upcoming two-match Test series is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2023-25.