Injury rules Shoriful out of Test series decider against Pakistan

Bangladesh left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam ruled out of the second and final Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi with a groin injury. 

Bangladesh team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan said Shoriful complained of discomfort in groin area after first Test last week, and subsequent tests confirmed his injury.

"Shoriful underwent an MRI following the first Test and the results show a Grade 1 left adductor strain," Bayjedul said. "Recovery usually takes around 10 days in such cases and he has started his rehab."

In the second day of rain-affected final test, Bangladesh have won the toss and decided to bowl first against Pakistan. Taskin Ahmed was brought in the playing XI of the format after more than a year in replace of Shoriful Islam. 

Shoriful had taken three wickets in Bangladesh's ten-wicket win in the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. He was also handy with the bat, hitting two sixes in a 14-ball 22. Taskin Ahmed replaced him in Bangladesh's starting XI for the second Test.

Shoriful has played 11 Tests but also missed 11 Tests for Bangladesh since his debut three years ago. 

Bangladesh's next assignment is a tour of India, with the first Test in Chennai from September 19. They play two Tests and three T20Is during the tour that run until October 12.

Bangladesh have a busy schedule till the end of 2024: after the tour of India, they have two Tests at home against South Africa in October, and a full tour of West Indies in November and December.