BSS, Dallas :
Bangladesh were reluctant to call another pacer to replace the left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam who was injured during the practice game against India on June 1.
Shoriful who got injured on his bowling hand while saving the straight drive of Hardik Pandya needed six stitches, which made him unavailable in the World Cup.
“His injury is a massive concern for us,” said Chief Selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu. “He needed six stitches on his hand. We need to take time to assess his recovery process.”
Even though he has no chance to play the match against Sri Lanka, Shoriful came to the practice in Dallas.
Since pacer Hasan Mahmud is with the team as the travelling reserve, Bangladesh might use his service in the place of Shoriful if needed.
“Hasan Mahmud is with us as travelling reserve. We are keen to get Shoriful’s service because he has been doing well for us consistently,” Ashraf remarked.
“We will assess Shoriful’s condition on June 9 after which we’ll take the final call. We are eager to see how swiftly he recovers.”
It is expected Shoriful will recover ahead of the Super 8 phase but it is to see if Bangladesh overcome the group fixture hurdle.