Mehidy Hasan Miraz set to return for second Test in Colombo

Bangladesh can breath a sigh of relief as they expect Test vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz to be fit for selection in the second game of the ongoing two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Mehidy had a fever during the two-day training session before the first Test in Galle, so he was rested for that match. Concerns about his availability for the second Test were raised by his absence from the field over the first two days of the Galle Test. However, Mehidy quashed all doubts on Thursday (June 19) by joining the training session. The all-rounder is expected to be available for selection and is understood to be recovering well from the fever. Top-order batter Anamul Haque Bijoy replaced Mehidy in the opening Test but failed to make an impact, scoring a duck in the first innings. Mehidy, who is among Bangladesh's top run-getters in Test cricket, will certainly bolster the side, especially with the Colombo pitch expected to offer assistance to spinners. The second Test is scheduled to begin on June 25. In the meantime, a BCB official informed that spin bowling consultant Mushtaq Ahmed left Galle on June 17 in advance of the ongoing Test and is anticipated to return during the ODI series, which begins in the early part of July. Prior to the Test series, Mushtaq had collaborated closely with the spinners during training sessions in Dhaka and Galle. "BCB and Mushtaq have a contract based on the number of working days. He was there during the preparation phase and left when he had finished his job. Nafees added, "He will return on July 6."