Bangladesh can realistically hope to face Zimbabwe with their full strength as all the injured players are on their way to recovery, phyiso Michael Henry said on Thursday.
The Tigers heaved a sigh of relief when they saw fast bowler and regular captain Mashrafee bin Murtaza bowling in the nets for the first time since he twisted his ankle in the first one-day international against New Zealand on October 5.
‘He bowled and did not feel any pain, which is a good sign,’ Henry told reporters.
‘He, however, did not bowl with full strength rather he concentrated on his rhythm. I am hopeful that he will be available for the Zimbabwe series,’ added he physio.
The physio was happy with the progress of openers Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes. Tamim underwent a surgery on his wrist early in September and was given a six to eight weeks’ time by his Australian surgeons.
Kayes, the leading run-scorer for Bangladesh in ODIs in 2010, has been suffering from a thigh strain. The injury had ruled him out of the first three rounds of the National Cricket League one-day version.
Henry said Tamim has already recovered from his injury and is quite comfortable with his batting. He is also keeping an eye on Imrul.
Former skipper Mohammad Ashraful, who sat out the New Zealand series, unexpectedly joined the list of injured players, though Henry said there should not be any worry about him too.
Ashraful, who showed signs of returning to form in the NCL one-dayers and is a serious contender for a place at the unsettled middle-order, has complained of a shoulder injury.
‘He had a bit of tightness in his shoulder for the last couple of days. We have modified his training and he batted with a lot of ease today but lets see what happens,’ said Henry.
