Dhaka:Bangladesh wicket-keeper batter Liton Das appeared prepared for the upcoming Test series against the West Indies, showing no visible signs of discomfort during a training session at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Academy ground.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Liton, who is recovering from a hip joint injury, batted for about an hour, facing throw-downs, off-spinner Nayeem Hasan, and other net bowlers. He seemed comfortable at the crease, executing several shots, including a trademark leg-side stroke that sailed beyond the nets.
The 30-year-old exercised caution during the session, taking breaks to stretch between deliveries. Bangladesh spin-bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed provided guidance on body balance and shoulder positioning. Although Liton missed Saturday's training, he returned to batting practice on Sunday but did not practice wicket-keeping.
The injury was sustained ahead of a tri-nation series due to the physical demands of prolonged wicket-keeping and batting during Bangladesh's Test against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With the Test series being part of the ICC World Test Championship, Litton's fitness is crucial for Bangladesh. Despite initial concerns, the team management included him in the Test squad.
The BCB medical department stated that no further medical assessment of Liton's fitness is necessary at this stage. With no issues identified in medical examinations, he is expected to gradually increase his training workload after adequate rest, aiming for full match fitness.
If Liton is unable to play, Jaker Ali Anik is a potential option as wicketkeeper-batter. Alternatively, Bangladesh could consider Towhid Hridoy if an additional specialist batter is needed. The team may face another selection decision if Liton is fit to play as a batter but not to keep wickets, which could require adjusting the playing XI to maintain balance.