Mushfiqur suffers hand injury on eve of West Indies Test

Bangladesh's preparations for the opening Test against West Indies suffered a potential setback after veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim injured his hand during practice at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Mushfiqur was batting in the nets when he sustained the injury. The team physiotherapist attended to him, and ice was applied to the affected area. He subsequently left the session without returning to batting, leaving his condition to be assessed ahead of Wednesday's series opener.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, however, offered some reassurance at the pre-match press conference, saying he had received no indication that the injury would prevent Mushfiqur from playing.

The extent of the injury had yet to be established, and his availability for the first Test remained subject to further assessment.

Mushfiqur's experience would be valuable for Bangladesh as they begin the two-match series, which forms part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. The hosts will be keen to make a strong start after drawing their previous Test against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.

The opening Test will be played in Mirpur from October 28 to November 1, before the teams move to Sylhet for the second match from November 5 to 9.