Shakib needs 100pc fitness to play Test: Domingo

Ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan tested positive for COVID-19, ruling him out of the first Test against Sri Lanka beginning on May 15 in Chattogram.  He arrived in Bangladesh from the USA on 10 May and the results came out positive in the mandatory Covid test.

But there arises a hope that Shakib may join Bangladesh team for the first Test against Sri Lanka as he has tested Covid-19 negative. Shakib may join the team on Friday evening and will participate in practice on Saturday morning.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President  Nazmul Hassan Papon said Shakib will decide himself he will play or not.

But Bangladesh cricket team head coach Russell Domingo said there is no scope for Shakib Al Hasan to play Test if he does not secure 100 percent fitness.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday noon, Domingo said, “It's very difficult to play (with 60-70 percent fitness). Test cricket is very tough. This is not a T20 or ODI match. You have to stay in the field for about 6 hours. A long time, five days. These issues must be taken into consideration. Of course, we want to get him as he is one of the best cricketers of all time”.

The South African coach said, “We have to ensure that he will be able to perform his best. He has to bowl at least 15 overs in one day. He has to bat for three or four hours. It's very important”.

Claiming that he tested Covid-19 positive during the tour of South Africa, Domingo said, “I would not get energy in the body. More time is needed to fully recover physically. We have to take these into consideration."

The BCB president said the fact is, he has no any kind of practice. It's completely a medical issue. Medical team and the fitness trainers will decide if Shakib is fit for the first Test or no.

“The most important thing is that he has recovered and will join the team. He may or may not play the first Test. It's tough to say. There is no chance of being emotional here. We will give him the full freedom. If he wants to play, then there is nothing to ponder.  His fitness will surely be assessed. Let him practice and then if the fitness trainers give him a clearance, then he'll play, Papon said.