Shakib Al Hasan ruled out of first Sri Lanka Test after testing Covid-19 positive

Shakib Al Hasan has gone into self-isolation after testing positive for Covid-19. The first Test will get underway on May 156 in Chattogram.

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been ruled out of the opening Test against Sri Lanka after he tested positive for COVID-19. The Magura-born cricketer tested positive on Tuesday, May 10, in an RT-PCR and rapid antigen test.

Back on Monday, the Bangladesh national team started training in Chattogram and Shakib was expected to join them on Wednesday. As per a statement from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), the veteran has gone into self-isolation and will undergo another test in a few days.

The first Test is set to take place from Sunday, May 15 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. The hosts are yet to name a replacement for the 35-year-old. Earlier, the Tigers missed out on the services of all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz and fast bowler Taskin Ahmed.

Bangladesh also picked all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain Saikat as a cover for Mehidy. Speedster Shoriful Islam’s participation in the first Test is also subject to fitness. As far as Shakib is concerned, he has played only 3 out of 11 Tests that Bangladesh have played after he came back from his one-year ban.

Earlier this year, the Bangladesh batters strained to perform in the two-match Test series against South Africa. Shakib’s absence means that their middle-order will further be depleted. But the Tigers can take heart from the fact that they defeated New Zealand at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui without Shakib in their playing XI.

The second and final Test of Sri Lanka’s tour of Bangladesh will start on Monday, May 23 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.