After stumps were called in early on Day 3 of the ongoing first Test between India and Bangladesh, the latter’s batting coach, David Hemp took an honest take on veteran all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan’s injury. The Bangladesh all-rounder, who came out to bat after Ashwin dismissed Mushfiqur Rahim in the 34th over, was seen struggling with some issue during his 14-ball stay on Day 3.
However, Hemp later in the day revealed that the camp was unaware of any such injury to Shakib Al Hasan, who got five runs off 14 deliveries before the umpires called early stumps due to bad light in Chennai. It is to be noted that Shakib bowled a total of only 21 overs across two innings and was unable to find himself among the wickets for the visitors.
Not aware of Shakib Al Hasan’s injury: David Hemp
After the completion of Day 3’s play, Bangladesh batting coach reacted to the speculations stating, “No, not aware of that at all, sorry.” On the other hand, Hemp highlighted that Chepauk track is “reasonable” one to bat and he would expect the batters to come out good with Bangladesh needing 357 runs to win and go 1-0 up in the two-match series.
“In terms of days to bat, it's still a good wicket. Today, we've seen that (Ravichandran) Ashwin obviously got a couple of balls to bounce quite significantly. But, if you still miss, you can still score. So for us tomorrow, it's still a reasonable surface,” he added.
Murali Karthik reveals Shakib Al Hasan playing with discomfort
Earlier in the day on Saturday, September 21, former Indian cricketer, Murali Karthik during his broadcast duties opened up on Shakib Al Hasan carrying an injury on his finger, adding that it could be the reason for him bowling less in the game. “He’s had a finger surgery on his bowling finger which is the point of his finger of his left hand. It is swollen, it is rigid, there’s no movement no suppleness to it. Also he is having issues with his shoulder so it’s a combination of both,” Karthik said during his commentary stint on Day 3.
However, Shakib’s struggles with injury were visible in the opening session of Day 4 of the first Test as well. The veteran all-rounder received medical aid in the opening hour of Day 4 while batting in the middle during their run-chase. With him struggling, Shakib Al Hasan departed off R Ashwin’s introduction into the attack and Yashasvi Jaiswal completing a brilliant catch.