DHAKA, Nov 14, 2023 (BSS)-Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed was ruled out
of the two-match Test series against New Zealand as he suffered a muscle tear
during the ICC Cricket World Cup.

He also sustained a shoulder injury during the tournament and was sidelined
for two matches.

After returning to the country along with the rest of the team members
following Bangladesh's disastrous World Cup campaign, he met the medical
team.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), however, wanted to give him the rest from
the series, considering his workload. His injury made the decision easier.

The Tigers will also be without the service of ace all-rounder Shakib Al
Hasan and fast bowler Ebadot Hossain, who is the vital cog of the
Bangladesh's Test.

Shakib fractured his index finger during his match winning 65 ball-82 against
Sri Lanka in Bangladesh's penultimate World Cup match.

"Since he has the fracture, his bandage will be taken off at least after four
weeks. So there is no way that he can play the Test series. Taskin will also
be rested to heal his injury," BCB medical department informed the media
today.

The medical department also informed that veteran batter Mahmudullah Riyad
underwent an MRI on his left hand yesterday as he sustained an injury while
batting against Australia in Bangladesh's last World Cup match. His report
will be available tomorrow (Wednesday). Mahmudullah, however, had already
retired from the Test format.

As Shakib is missing the series, the BCB will name a new captain when they
announce the Test team.

New Zealand will arrive in Bangladesh on November 21. The first Test is at
the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from November 28. The second and
final Test is in Dhaka from December 4. The series is the part of ICC World
Test Championship.