Bangladesh Faces Uncertainty over Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s Availability for Pakistan Test Series
Bangladesh’s hopes of a strong start to their two-Test series in Pakistan have been dealt a blow with the news that opening batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy has suffered a groin injury. According to ESPNcricinfo, the injury is expected to take around two weeks to heal, putting Joy’s participation in both the first and second Tests in doubt.
Joy, who is already in Pakistan, played in a four-day game for Bangladesh A against Pakistan A in Islamabad earlier this week. He scored 65 in the first innings but did not bat in the second.
The injury is a significant setback for Bangladesh, as Joy has formed a settled opening partnership with Zakir Hasan in recent Tests. Shadman Islam is likely to take Joy’s place in the lineup if he is unavailable.
Bangladesh’s 16-member squad has been training in Lahore and is scheduled to travel to Islamabad on August 17. The first Test will be played in Rawalpindi from August 21 to 25, while the second Test will be held in Karachi from August 30 to September 3.
The Karachi Test will be played without spectators due to ongoing construction work at the National Stadium.
