According to Bangladesh Cricket Board physiotherapist Bayjedul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, the pace bowler for Bangladesh who has taken a break from Test cricket, may play in the five-day format if he monitors his workload.

Taskin had written to the BCB following a shoulder injury, requesting that the board not consider him for inclusion in Tests since he wanted to focus on playing white-ball cricket. Though, having recently competed in the T20 World Cup and the Lanka Premier League. The 29-year-old pacer is now hoping to return to Test cricket. 

Taskin was a part of the national preparation camp alongside the Test probables ahead of the series against Pakistan, which begins on August 21. Taskin last played in a Test match against Afghanistan in June 2022.

“Taskin has played in the T20 format of late. So, he did not bowl for long spells during this period. He had a shoulder issue, which he even got rechecked during the T20 World Cup,” Bayjedul said after the session. “The thing is, the damage he had at that time, is exactly the same now as it has not aggravated. A player can play by managing these [types of injuries]. If he continues his rehabilitation and the workouts, Taskin is definitely available (for Tests).

“But as for bowling workload in Tests where you need to bowl longer spells, a player needs to get up to that speed. So, he will try to do that and if he feels better then he can definitely play in Tests,” he added.

Rain on Saturday, August 3, delayed preparations for the opening day. The team management’s original intention was to conduct a physical assessment test under the guidance of strength and conditioning coach Nathan Kiely, beginning with a 1.6-kilometer time trial at the Bangabandhu National Stadium at 6:30 AM. Later, the test was to be completed at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. However, they were unable to finish their session at BNS, therefore all of the players started their strength training in SBNS.

“Due to extreme weather conditions, the National team has cancelled the running test at the BNS due to bad weather and political unrest,” the BCB said in a statement. Following the practice, Bayjedul added that the overall fitness of the players improved while they will do their running test in the coming days depending on the weather along with other things.

“Everyone tried to touch the benchmark of the strength test and they have improved,” said Bayjedul. “The camp started today while they will work with their skills from tomorrow and the running test depends on the weather and availability of the players. A lot of players will go with the A team and later join the national team program. We will make a plan accordingly.”