Bangladesh Test captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto is set to walk out for the toss in Colombo on Wednesday, despite new taping on his fingers.
Shanto, who had already injured his right index finger earlier during the tour, was seen at practice with fresh bandages on two additional fingers. The extra taping followed a slip-catching drill, where he appeared to sustain mild pain.
Team officials say the injury is not serious. He trained with the rest of the squad and showed no signs of discomfort while catching.
“There’s nothing to worry about,” said head coach Phil Simmons. “He’ll be fine for the match.”
Simmons was actively involved in Tuesday’s catching drills, feeding catches to Shanto, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Zakir Ali Anik, and Anamul Haque Bijoy.
Shanto had skipped training the day before due to finger soreness. But the captain returned fully engaged, bandaged but focused.
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This isn’t new for Shanto. On arrival in Sri Lanka, he picked up a similar knock and still went on to score centuries in both innings of the Galle Test. He wore a taped finger during that match as well and led the team through a drawn Test while setting several personal records.
The Bangladesh squad returned to full practice ahead of the Colombo Test. Players trained in groups and appeared relaxed but focused. There was an added boost with vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz rejoining the squad.
The first Test may have fizzled out into a draw, but Bangladesh is looking to make a definitive statement in Colombo. The second and final Test against Sri Lanka kicks off tomorrow at R. Premadasa Stadium, and for Bangladesh, it’s a chance to seize control of the series.
The one lingering question is captain Shanto’s hand injury. Team officials are downplaying it, and Shanto himself seems confident it’s a non-issue, even if it’s noticeable enough for fans to spot during the coin toss.
