Shoriful Islam expected to be back for Sri Lanka Test Series

In the latest news development, the left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam is expected to be back for the 2-Test match series against Sri Lanka scheduled to be played next month. He last featured for Bangladesh in an ODI fixture against South Africa in March 2022.

However, Islam felt pain in his left ankle during the training ahead of the Test series against South Africa in the last week of March. The MRI report confirmed grade 1 ankle impingement syndrome.

The BCB chief selector Minhajul Abedin has confirmed the availability of the left-arm pacer for the Sri Lanka series. He reckoned that Islam didn't need the operation as his ankle injury had recovered.  

"He (Shoriful) is available for us from the opening Test against Sri Lanka as he will not require any operation at the moment. It will be a big boost for us considering we are also missing the service of Taskin (Ahmed) now," said BCB's chief selector Minhajul Abedin.

The abdominal issues have also been a significant concern for the left-arm pacer. Recently he was sent to Singapore for a check-up, and the physicians have given a green signal on his health and will feature in the series, subject to his fitness. 

Making his debut in 2021, he has represented Bangladesh across all the formats. Along with Islam, Taskin Ahmed was also ruled out of the South Africa series due to a shoulder injury. Before sustaining an injury, Ahmed was named Player of the Series in Bangladesh's 2-1 ODI series win over the South Africa team. He took a total of 8 wickets, including a five-for.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board is fully financing the treatment of Taskin Ahmed, who will depart on May 4 for England. As expected, he will be unavailable for some months and will return if fully fit, as per the selectors.