Dhaka: Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto was ruled out of the Test series against West Indies later this month, dealing another major blow to the team. He became the second crucial member to be sidelined for the Caribbean Test series after veteran Mushfiqur Rahim. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Shanto sustained a groin injury during his match-winning 76-run knock against Afghanistan, which also made him unavailable for the series-deciding third ODI at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz led the side in the final ODI as the series was locked at 1-1. In a statement, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) revealed that an MRI of Shanto was conducted after the second ODI, confirming his unavailability for the two-match Test series in West Indies. "Shanto underwent an MRI in Sharjah after the second ODI. We have received the team physio's report and the scan report, which has confirmed a Grade II strain on his left groin," BCB's Senior Physician Dr. Debashis Chowdhury said. "This wil l require a period of rest and rehabilitation. He has been ruled out of the third ODI against Afghanistan and will also be unavailable for the Test series in the West Indies," Dr. Chowdhury further mentioned, adding that Shanto's condition will be assessed after two weeks. Shanto will return home from the UAE to continue his rehabilitation process. The BCB has yet to name Shanto's replacement for the West Indies Test series, but it is highly likely that Mehidy Hasan Miraz will lead in the Test series as well.
