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DHAKA, Nov 11, 2024 (BSS) - Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto was ruled out of the Test series against West Indies later this month in another major blow to the team.

He was the second vital cog of the team to be sidelined for the Caribbean Test series after veteran Mushfiqur Rahim.

Shanto who sustained a groin injury during his match-winning 76-run knock against Afghanistan was also unavailable for the series deciding third ODI at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz leads the side in the final ODI as the series is locked at 1-1. 

In a statement, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) revealed that an MRI of Shanto was done after the second ODI and it confirmed that the skipper even will be unavailable for the two-match Test series in West Indies.

"Shanto underwent an MRI in Sharjah after the second ODI. We have received the team physio's report and the scan report, which has confirmed a Grade II strain on his left groin," BCB's Senior Physician Dr. Debashis Chowdhury said.

"This will require a period of rest and rehabilitation. He has been ruled out of the third ODI against Afghanistan and will also be unavailable for the Test series in the West Indies," he further said, adding that Shanto's condition will be assessed after two weeks. 

Shanto will return home from the UAE to continue his rehab," Dr. Chowdhury informed.

BCB is yet to name Shanto's replacement for the West Indies Test series but it is highly likely that Miraz will lead in the Test series too.