The Lankans could have significantly benefited if Shakib remained unavailable

World-class all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was dropped from the squad for the first Test against the Lankans due to Covid. Speculation was rife about who would be his alternative in the XI. However, putting an end to his worries, Shakib said he is completely fit. 

After recovering from Corona, the Bangladeshi all-rounder returned to the field quickly. He joined the team directly with a Covid negative certificate. Fit Shakib has practised in a very cheerful mood with the team in Chattogram. 

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankans were quite relieved to hear that Shakib was not playing despite a plan to stop the world’s best all-rounder. However, on the news of Shakib’s return, the Sri Lankan captain said that they would have had a big advantage if Shakib had not played. 

On the Shakib issue, Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Koranaratne said, ”I knew the Bangladesh squad when I came here. Shakib was there. Naturally, we have prepared for it. So, we don’t have to do anything different, even if he comes to play. But if Shakib didn’t play, it would have been a significant advantage for us. Since he is playing, we are ready for it. ”

Naveed Newaz is the batting coach of the Lankans. He was the head coach of the Bangladesh U-19 World Cup-winning team. Bangladesh got the taste of lifting the World Cup trophy by defeating India under his training. Akbar-Shariful’s former trainer knows everyone very well. So, the Lankan captain hopes that the experience gained from the Naveed will be helpful to the team. 

In this context, Karunaratne said, ”This is a significant advantage for us. Naveed Newaz has worked with the Bangladesh U-19 team for several years. Know about the conditions here. We got the idea from him. Last year’s results won’t work here. We have to play well from the first ball to the fifth day. ”