Injury Blow for Bangladesh: Shadman Islam Stretchered Off in 2nd Test
Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam was stretchered off during the second Test against West Indies after a serious ankle twist in Sylhet.
The second morning of the second Test between Bangladesh and the West Indies in Sylhet took a dramatic turn when opening batter Shadman Islam ankle injury forced him off the field on a stretcher, leaving the hosts worried about his availability for the remainder of the match.
A Sudden Twist of Fate
The incident occurred during the 78th over of the West Indies' innings. Shadman, who had been stationed at slip, reacted quickly to a nudge toward the fine-leg boundary by Amir Jangoo off the bowling of Mehidy Hasan Miraz. However, as the 31-year-old chased the ball, he slipped and severely twisted his left ankle.
The severity of the pain was evident as Shadman remained grounded for several minutes. Despite the immediate efforts of the medical staff and the concern of his teammates, he had to be carried off the field on a stretcher.
"Shadman suffered a left ankle twist. He is under observation. We will send him for an MRI scan," confirmed Bangladesh physio Bayjedul Islam Khan.
The injury is a significant blow for the Bangladesh camp, especially since the left-handed opener had been in fine form, having smashed a century in the opening Test of the series.
Hasan Mahmud’s Historic Haul
While the injury cast a shadow over the morning, Hasan Mahmud provided a massive boost to the Bangladesh side with a career-defining bowling spell. The right-arm pacer claimed his fifth five-wicket haul in Test cricket, marking a historic milestone as his first such achievement on home soil.
Mahmud's performance etched his name in the record books as he became the first Bangladeshi seamer to secure a five-wicket haul in five different countries. Additionally, he became the first fast bowler from Bangladesh to claim a wicket via a stumping.
The Turning Point
Mahmud's brilliance was key in breaking a dangerous partnership. He finally dismissed the formidable Amir Jangoo, who had played a masterful knock of 133 runs from 212 balls, featuring 13 boundaries and two sixes. The momentum shifted instantly when Mahmud removed Roston Chase for a golden duck on the very next delivery, with Litton Das taking a sharp catch behind the stumps.
The drama intensified when Mahmud nearly achieved a hat-trick. Umpire Asif Yaqoob initially ruled Joshua Bishop out LBW, but the West Indies successfully overturned the decision via review, as replays showed the ball had edged onto the pad.
West Indies Fight Back
Despite the onslaught, Joshua Bishop and Justin Greaves put up a brief fight. However, Mahmud returned to complete his five-wicket haul by dismissing Bishop, who was stumped by Litton Das. Shortly after, Mehidy Hasan Miraz removed Greaves (51 off 112 balls), causing the West Indies to slide from 264/5 to 301/8.
Late resistance from Shamar Joseph and Jomel Warrican helped the visitors push their total past 320. By the end of the first session on Day 2, West Indies stood at 322/8, with Joseph unbeaten on 16 and Warrican on nine. This followed a Day 1 total of 235/4, which had been cut short due to bad light.
As Bangladesh looks to capitalize on Hasan Mahmud's bowling heroics, all eyes remain on the MRI results for Shadman Islam to see if the opener can return to the fray.