Visiting team skipper likely to miss the ODI series

If he fails to join, the team will get a huge blow in ODIs

After having succumbed to a huge defeat against West Indies in the first Test, the Bangladesh cricket team has received another blow ahead of their ODI series starting from July 22.

Mashrafe Mortaza, Bangladesh’s skipper in limited overs format, is likely to miss the 3-match ODI rubber. As per media reports, his wife has been admitted to the hospital due to illness while Mortaza is currently taking care of her.

Secondly, the ODI squad is scheduled to leave for the series on Saturday and at the same time, the selectors have decided to wait till Friday to confirm whether he could be able to join the team.

Confirming the news, Bangladesh’s chief selector Minhajul Abedi said, “He [Mortaza] is uncertain for the tour of West Indies. He had already informed about the condition of his wife and we must consider it with utmost priority.”

“Though we haven’t yet ruled him out. We will take a decision in this regard on July 12 as the members of the ODI squad are expected to leave on the following day,” the chief selector added.

If Mortaza fails to join the team for the series, the fight for Bangladesh will turn tougher.

Ahead of the ODI series, the guests are scheduled to play the 2^nd Test against West Indies starting from Thursday in Jamaica. However, before this crucial game, the situation has worsened for the visitors. Pacer Shafiul Islam has suffered an ankle injury during a training session on Tuesday and is likely to miss the next match.