No rest for Shakib Al Hasan

The cricketers of Bangladesh team spent time in the hotel as there was no team practice on Sunday. But Shakib Al Hasan joined an optional practice session. The all-rounder was seen practicing ahead of the first Test against the West Indies. 

The southpaw did not practice for couple of days after the completion of the ODI series due to a groin injury that he sustained during the third ODI. He started practicing on Saturday as the scan report came good on Friday. He did not look in complete comfort that day though. That's why Shakib sweated it out in practice on Sunday in order to understand his fitness status.

On Saturday, Shakib batted for 50 minutes at the net and center wickets. The experienced cricketer was having some problems with the sweep shot. He did not bowl that day. Shakib started bowling at the nets from Sunday. He was accompanied in practice by head coach Russell Domingo, batting coach Jon Lewis and physio Julian Calefato.

Shakib turned up at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium before 10 am. Taskin Ahmed was in practice with him. The right-arm pacer of the national team, however, did not bowl. He did some fitness training. Taskin ran about 2,000 meters. After the third ODI, the fast bowler rested for two days due to some discomfort in his body.

Shakib started batting at the nets after 10 o'clock. He did not get any teammate as a bowler as there was no team practice. He batted for a while against the net bowlers and also played some throwdowns. Jon Lewis was observing Shakib while he was batting.

Shakib started bowling after batting, not in full rhythm though. He finished the practice session after bowling 5 overs. Head coach Russell Domingo batted against him. Physio Julian Calefato had a watchful eye on his bowling.

The coaches spent time in the session to see Shakib's batting and bowling fitness before the Test match. The coaches will also check his batting and bowling fitness on Monday. Then Calefato will give Shakib's match fitness certificate.

In this regard, Cricket Operations Manager Sabbir Khan said, "Shakib has done personal practice. Head coach Russell Domingo, batting coach Lewis and physio Calefato have seen him. This session was held to know how fit he is. He will be seen again in the team's practice tomorrow."

Bangladesh's first Test against the West Indies will start on February 3 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.