Summary:
- Bangladesh’s Mahmudul Hasan Joy is out of the Test series against Pakistan due to a groin injury.
- Joy, who was in form, scored 65 runs in the first innings against Pakistan Shaheens.
- The injury will keep him out for three weeks, affecting Bangladesh’s plans for the World Test Championship series.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy, a promising young cricketer for Bangladesh, has been ruled out of the two-match Test series against Pakistan due to a groin injury. The setback occurred during the second innings of a four-day match against Pakistan Shaheens in Islamabad, where Joy had previously contributed 65 runs in the first innings. This injury prevents him from participating in the upcoming Tests, as confirmed by Bangladesh Cricket Board’s chief physician, Debashish Chowdhury, who stated that Joy would need to rest for three weeks.
The absence of Joy is a significant blow for Bangladesh as they prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 series against Pakistan. The first Test is set to commence on August 21 in Islamabad, with the second Test scheduled for August 30 in Karachi. Both teams are keen to improve their standings on the WTC points table, making every match crucial.
The Bangladesh squad, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, includes several key players like Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim. Pakistan, captained by Shan Masood, will feature prominent names such as Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi. The series is expected to be a competitive affair, with both teams eager to secure valuable points in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
