Mashrafe fully ready for return to cricket

"How many overs have you bowled?"

After being asked this question by journalists, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza replied, "You guys are reporters, haven't you seen?"

And then he continued, "I've bowled six overs and also done some fitness training."

The most successful ODI captain in Bangladesh cricket history is ready for the Bangabandhu T20 Cup.

After a lottery, Gemcon Khulna became the lucky team to have the right-arm bowler on their side, along with the ranks of Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah.

Although Mashrafe's preparation began a few months earlier, an injury setback meant he missed the first half of the T20 tournament. 

Add to that, there is the coronavirus pandemic, which put all forms of cricketing action to a halt for nearly nine months.

Mashrafe also contracted the virus but overcame it.

That, however, came at a cost as he put on a considerable amount of weight which he would have to lose before regaining match fitness.

That is exactly what the Narail Express did, losing around 10 kilos before getting back to bowling in the nets.

All eyes were on the 37-year-old pacer as he came to Mirpur on Monday to train and bowl six overs.

"I've started bowling last Tuesday and as a first day it wasn't so bad. I've been bowling regularly since then and working on my fitness. I gave the fitness test on Saturday and got a good idea about where I am fitness-wise. I bowled again today, so let's see what happens," Mashrafe told the journalists present. 

Although it was a long break from cricket, other players played in local matches but Mashrafe hasn't been so lucky.

After his last international match in March, he played one domestic match for Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club. 

On Tuesday against Gazi Group Chattogram, it will be Mashrafe's first cricket match after nine months. 

Mashrafe is still in cricket, despite all the injuries and surgeries and with the home series against the West Indies coming up, he will have his eyes set on playing for Bangladesh in it.