Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Shakib Al Hasan recovers from Covid-19, cleared to play first Test in Chattogram

Bangladesh star Shakib Al Hasan has recovered from Covid-19 and is available for selection for their first Test, starting May 15 against Sri Lanka. However, the hosts will take a call on his selection after assessing his fitness.

Bangladesh have received a big boost ahead of their first Test of a 2-match series against Sri Lanka at home as star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been deemed available for selection. Shakib has recovered from Covid-19 as he tested negative on May 12.

Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh's all-time leading wicket-taker in Test cricket, was initially ruled out of the first Test, which will be played from Sunday at Chattogram. He had tested positive for Covid-19 after returning from the United States where his family lives.

Shakib's selection, however, will depend on his fitness, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has said.

"Shakib tested Covid-19 negative. He can play the first Test provided he is fit," chief selector Minhjaul Abedin was quoted as saying by AFP news agency.

Shakib's return will be a major positive for Bangladesh who are languishing at the 8th spot in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 table with one victory in 6 matches. The Asian side will look to pose a stiff challenge to Sri Lanka, who are visiting with a new head coach in Chris Silverwood, the former England head coach who was sacked after their Ashes debacle.

Shakib himself will be looking forward to making the most of his opportunities in whites as he has played only 3 of Bangladesh's 11 Tests since returning from a one-year ban.

It remains to be seen if Shakib will get a go in the first Test as head coach Russel Domingo souded words of caution, saying Bangladesh will assess the all-rounder's fitness before taking a call. Shakib is expected to join the rest of the squad in Chattogram on Friday evening.