Bangladesh lose Shakib before first test against Sri Lanka

Bangladesh has been dealt a major setback ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka, as renowned all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has tested positive for Covid.

Shakib was supposed to return to the Test arena during the two-match series, but the 35-year-old will now have to separate himself from the rest of the squad for the next five days.

While Shakib will miss the first Test, which begins on Sunday in Chattogram, it is hoped that he would be available for the second and final Test of the series on May 23 in Dhaka.

Even though he hasn’t played a Test match since appearing against Pakistan at the end of last year, Shakib is now placed fourth on the ICC Test all-rounder rankings.

Shakib’s absence is a major setback for Bangladesh, who were hoping to utilise this series to propel themselves up the World Test Championship standings.

Bangladesh has only one Test victory in the current WTC period and is currently ranked eighth, narrowly ahead of England in ninth place.

It’s unclear who will take Shakib’s place, although Bangladesh added fellow all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain to their squad at the end of last month, and the right-hander could make the final XI.

Bangladesh are already without all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz and seamer Taskin Ahmed due to injury, and teenage left-armer Shoriful Islam must pass a fitness test later this week before being considered.