That Liam Livingstone is the only non-opening batter in the side to have a fifty to his name lays bare the big problem that the side have been facing

Liam Livingstone

Mayank Agarwal

Indian Premier League, 2022

Punjab Kings

Delhi Capitals

From explosion to implosion - PBKS’ tale leaves a sour aftertaste

The winner of Punjab versus Delhi will be the favorites for a playoff spot

Hardik Pandya

KL Rahul

Shreyas Iyer

MS Dhoni

Rohit Sharma

Faf du Plessis

Rishabh Pant

Sanju Samson

Kane Williamson

Gujarat Titans

Lucknow Super Giants

Rajasthan Royals

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Kolkata Knight Riders

Chennai Super Kings

Mumbai Indians

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Indian Premier League 2022: Qualification scenarios

The tearaway quick hasn’t played for South Africa since the last T20 World Cup because of an injury

Anrich Nortje

Tristan Stubbs

South Africa tour of India, 2022

South Africa

Stubbs earns maiden call-up; Nortje returns for India T20Is

The former Sri Lanka skipper once again showed his class against Bangladesh, missing out on his second double ton by a whisker 

Angelo Mathews

Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh, 2022

Sri Lanka

Bangladesh

Invaluable Angelo Mathews: Rising above injuries and contract disputes

Zubayr Hamza was on provisional suspension since March this year and his performances since January 17, 2022 have been disqualified by ICC

Zubayr Hamza

SA's Zubayr Hamza gets nine months suspension for doping violation

Across RR’s last two matches, the 21-year-old has unleashed a different, more aggressive version of himself

Devdutt Padikkal

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Marcus Stoinis

Dazzling Padikkal hitting right notes in quest of mastering the art of No.4

Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das struck fifties after Tamim Iqbal made a hundred to put Bangladesh in pole position in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Chattogram on Tuesday.Liton hit 54 not out and Mushfiqur made 53 not out as the pair added 98 runs in an unbroken stand to guide Bangladesh to 318-3 at stumps on the third day, in reply to Sri Lanka&rsquo;s first innings 397.Tamim retired on 133 after reaching his 10th Test hundred with a four and single off Asitha Fernando off successive balls before tea.But he is expected to resume his 217-ball innings -- including 15 fours -- on the fourth day when Bangladesh will aim to accelerate their scoring rate in pursuit of a first-innings lead.&nbsp;Liton joined Mushfiqur when Tamim did not return after the break and helped Bangladesh continue their dominance without facing serious trouble. He pulled Lasith Embuldeniya for four to bring up his 12th Test fifty off 96 balls before Mushfiqur reached his own fifty, his 26th in Tests, in the next over with a single off Kasun Rajitha.Liton led the charge with eight fours while Mushfiqur played the anchor role as he took 124 balls to bring up his fifty, with just two fours so far.&nbsp;Sri Lanka&#39;s bowlers briefly halted Bangladesh&#39;s run flow after Fernando broke Tamim&#39;s 162-run opening stand with Mahmudul Hasan, who made 58 off 142 balls before edging a leg-side delivery behind the stumps.Concussion substitute Rajitha then removed Najmul Hossain for one and Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque for two to restore some parity in the game.Replacing Vishwa Fernando, who took a blow on the helmet on Monday and could bowl only eight overs in the innings, Rajitha struck with his fourth ball as Najmul gave a regulation catch to wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella.Five overs later Rajitha swung a ball in to break Mominul&#39;s off-stump.Tamim was earlier given out caught behind on 102 off Ramesh Mendis but the decision was reversed on review.Resuming on 76-0, Bangladesh started the day&rsquo;s play confidently as Tamim dispatched left-arm quick Fernando for two fours in the second over of the day, before bringing up his 32nd Test fifty off 73 balls with a boundary.Sri Lanka dropped the only chance that came their way in the morning as Embuldeniya dropped Mahmudul at fine-leg off Asitha on 51.The 21-year-old, playing only his fifth Test, soon completed his second Test half-century in 110 balls when he flicked Asitha towards mid-wicket for a double.Angelo Mathews had held the Sri Lankan innings together before agonisingly falling on 199.Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan claimed 6-105 for Bangladesh.Powered by <a href="https://www.froala.com/wysiwyg-editor?pb=1" title="Froala Editor">Froala Editor</a>

Bangladesh closed in Sri Lanka's first innings total of 397 by the end third day with seven wickets remaining

Tamim Iqbal

Mushfiqur Rahim

Tamim ton puts Bangladesh in control of first Test

Kasun Rajith has replaced Vishwa Fernando as a concussion substitute in the ongoing opening Test of the two-match series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Tuesday (May 17).Sri Lankan left-arm paceman Fernando was hit on his helmet by a Shoriful Islam delivery while batting in the second session on day two. However, he batted till the end of the second session but didn&rsquo;t accompany Angelo Mathews after the Tea interval.&nbsp;He did return to bat at the fall of the ninth wicket. Fernando scored 17* and put on a crucial partnership with Angelo Mathews. He bowled four overs on day two and then also sent down four more in the first session of day three before leaving the field with some discomfort.Rajitha has played nine Tests, picking up 25 wickets at an average of 31.16. He last played a Test for Sri Lanka in 2020.Powered by <a href="https://www.froala.com/wysiwyg-editor?pb=1" title="Froala Editor">Froala Editor</a>

He was hit on his helmet by a Shoriful Islam delivery while batting on day two

Vishwa Fernando

Kasun Rajitha

Rajitha replaces Fernando as concussion substitute 

On a surface where the first innings total is going to be a deciding factor, Angelo Mathews brought all his experience into play and helped Sri Lanka post a formidable 397. He may have fallen tantalising short of a double ton but was a timely reminder that he is still one of the best Sri Lankan batters at the moment.&nbsp;On a surface where many hung back against the Bangladesh spinners, eventually getting out bowled or leg-before, Mathews took his guard outside leg. He played the spinners taking a long stride forward to put the balls away and when he went back, while it looked ugly, it was effective.&nbsp;Angelo Mathews - Shot Zone - 1st Test vs Bangladesh<img src="https://images-cricketcom.imgix.net/1652716764308-articleimg" style="width: 600px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">It was not too long ago that Mathews was involved in a contract tiff with SLC, which had put his international career in jeopardy. Added to that, his injuries became a huge talking point, which also led to the head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe criticise him over his running between the wickets leading to many run-outs, leading him to be dropped from the limited-overs squad.&nbsp;Any other board may have lost faith in any player, but Mathews remains an integral part as he continues to churn out the runs in any circumstances, including the most difficult of ones.&nbsp;It was believed that the SLC did not dish out fair remunerations to its players, which was just one-third compared to the players&rsquo; wages of other countries. While the highest would draw USD 100,000, the lowest would receive USD 70,000-80,000.Now you put that against someone like India, the lowest category players earn USD 137,000. Other than Mathews, senior players like Test skipper Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal refused to sign initially, but a few a months later, they did put pen to paper, with nothing changing monetarily.While Mathews was not among the top category cricketers, the important part was Mathews put the murmurs of international retirement to bed and agreed to soldier on: for Sri Lanka.&nbsp;The journey to becoming the pack&#39;s leaderA bridge between the past and the present, Mathews&rsquo; role in the team has been different in the last 6-7 years. From playing in shadows of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene to emerge as the leader of the pack, it has been quite the journey for him.While they were in shambles for in the initial years of the transition, they have had a few individuals who have slowly risen up the ranks and made an impact, thereby easing some of the pressure on Mathews.&nbsp;The likes of Karunaratne, and Dhananjaya de Silva to name a few have taken their game to a different level, but then there have been disappointments in the form of Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella and even Dinesh Chandimal, who have talent in abundance, but are yet to take over the mettle and have not been someone who you could rely on, on a consistent basis.&nbsp;That&rsquo;s the assurance Mathews provides in the middle. Calm, composed and calculated, he goes about his business without much fuss. Mathews is clearly the glue that has held the batting together. He may be a ticking time bomb when it comes to his injuries, yet so addictive that Sri Lanka cannot think of an era without him, at least not anytime in the near future.&nbsp;Incidentally, two of Sri Lanka&rsquo;s best series wins in the recent past have come without Mathews in the side. The first one being against Pakistan in the UAE in 2017 and also two years later against South Africa in their own backyard. Not many teams have gone there and been able to achieve those incredible feats. While there is talent beyond Mathews, are Sri Lanka doing enough to groom them and give them a longer run?<img data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://images-cricketcom.imgix.net/1652715951519-articleimg" style="box-sizing: inherit; border-style: none; max-width: 100%; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; width: 700px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The fact that they have always turned to Mathews indicates sort of a familiarity feeling associated with him. Having won seven of their last 23 Tests, since 2019, Sri Lanka have been as inconsistent as they have been over the years, but the series against Bangladesh gives them an opportunity to make amends.Bangladesh at home have been a tough team to beat and it will be a challenge for Sri Lanka without a doubt. However, Mathews has stood tall once again.Among batters who have scored at least 400 Test runs since 2020, Mathews&rsquo; average of 57.87 ranks among the highest (after Sean Williams&rsquo; 96.20). What is indeed heartening to see is the fact that Dhananjaya (47.81) is not too far behind and it is this consistency that earned him a top contract with the SLC.Mathews not bowling has certainly been a blow in Sri Lanka&rsquo;s quiver. While his short burst spells at least in ODI cricket have been handy, it could take maybe another hamstring injury to end his career. It&rsquo;s certainly not the end someone of his stature deserves.Powered by <a href="https://www.froala.com/wysiwyg-editor?pb=1" title="Froala Editor">Froala Editor</a>

Angelo Mathews missed out on his second double hundred by one run as Bangladesh bowled out Sri Lanka for 397 runs in the first Test in Chittagong on Monday.Bangladesh made a solid reply with the bat, reaching 76-0 at stumps on the second day, with opener Tamim Iqbal on 35 and Mahmudul Hasan on 31. The hosts were trailing Sri Lanka by 321 when bad light forced the stumps with seven overs still to be bowled on the day. &nbsp;&nbsp;Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan earlier broke Mathews&rsquo;s heart, forcing him to spoon a catch to Shakib Al Hasan at square leg on 199 as he made a desperate attempt to complete his double hundred with last man Vishwa Fernando at the other end.The Sri Lankan&#39;s previous highest Test score was 200 not out. Nayeem finished with 6-105 on his home ground, the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, while Shakib claimed 3-60 for Bangladesh.Running out of partners, Mathews had the double hundred in his sights after sharing 47 runs with Vishwa for the ninth wicket. But the number 10 took a blow on his helmet before tea and did not return to the field.Last man Asitha Fernando survived 27 balls to give him support before he was bowled by Nayeem. Vishwa then heroically returned to the crease, prompting Mathews to make his desperate attempt for the double hundred.He struck Taijul Islam for a four to reach 196 before a single and double took him even closer, only to be denied by Nayeem. Mathews, who resumed on 114, earlier shared 136 runs with fellow overnight batsman Dinesh Chandimal (66).In the 24th over of the session, Chandimal attempted a premeditated reverse sweep but failed to make contact and was given out lbw, upheld on review. Nayeem soon had a fourth wicket when he bowled wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella, who made only three, four balls later.Shakib took two wickets in two balls in the first over after the break to push Sri Lanka into a corner. He first bowled Ramesh Mendis for one and then trapped Lasith Embuldeniya leg before for no score.Mushfiqur Rahim dropped Fernando at mid-on on 16 to deny Shakib his fourth wicket. Bangladesh also missed a chance to dismiss Mathews on 119 in the fourth over of the day.Khaled Ahmed beat the Sri Lankan with an outswinger but there was no appeal for a catch behind, despite technology suggesting Mathews had edged the ball. Mathews hit 19 fours and a six in his 397-ball innings before the agonising end as Bangladesh wrapped up Sri Lanka&rsquo;s first innings in 153 overs, 40 minutes into the final session.Powered by <a href="https://www.froala.com/wysiwyg-editor?pb=1" title="Froala Editor">Froala Editor</a>

Mathews fell agonizingly short of a double-century against Bangladesh

Bangladesh firm in reply after Mathews falls for 199

Former captain Angelo Mathews hit an unbeaten 114 to help Sri Lanka finish strongly on the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh on Sunday.The tourists reached 258 for four at stumps after electing to bat first on what looked like a placid pitch in Chittagong at the start of the two-match series. Mathews put on a key third-wicket 92-run stand with Kusal Mendis, who made 54, to rebuild the Sri Lankan innings after off-spinner Nayeem Hasan removed the openers.&quot;Somebody had to go big and go long, and on a placid wicket like this, first-innings score is very important,&quot; Mathews said of his knock laced with 14 boundaries and one six.&quot;You can&#39;t take anything from the Bangladesh bowlers. They bowled some very good lines and lengths, with a sort of an umbrella field. It was not easy for us to go big.&quot;He kept up the pressure on Bangladesh after Mendis&#39; departure as he put up an unbeaten partnership of 75 for the fifth wicket with Dinesh Chandimal, who was batting on 34. Nayeem dismissed skipper Dimuth Karunaratne, for nine, and Oshada Fernando, for 36, in the opening session to give Bangladesh some early momentum. &nbsp;But Mathews and Mendis seized back the initiative and kept Bangladesh bowlers at bay in the entire post-lunch session. Taijul Islam struck on the first ball after tea break as Mendis fell giving a catch to Nayeem at midwicket.Fellow left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan removed Dhananjaya de Silva cheaply for six with a bat-pad catch, but Mathews stood firm to deny Bangladesh further success. Bangladesh thought they had Mathews out caught behind for 38 off Taijul after lunch but the decision against the veteran batsman was reversed on review.The experienced right-hander flicked left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam towards mid-wicket for a four to bring his 12th Test hundred off 183 balls.&nbsp;Nayeem trapSri Lanka earlier made a confident start as Fernando hit pace bowler Khaled Ahmed for two consecutive fours in the second over. The introduction of spin, however, halted their progress as Nayeem trapped Karunaratne leg-before on only his fifth ball.Karunaratne misjudged an arm ball and attempted to cut, but the ball was quicker than he had expected and hit him on the back foot. He was given out and the skipper unsuccessfully reviewed.Local boy Nayeem, who came into the side after an injury to the stalwart Mehidy Hasan, brought Bangladesh their second success in the session when he took an edge from Fernando in the 22nd over.Wicketkeeper Liton Das completed the catch as Fernando departed after hitting three fours and one six in his brisk innings.&nbsp;A minute of silence was observed before the match in memory of Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds, who died in a car crash on Saturday. The Bangladesh Cricket Board said it was &quot;deeply saddened&quot; at the passing of &quot;one of Australia&#39;s greatest allrounders in limited overs cricket&quot;.Neutral umpiring also returned for the first time since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, with England&#39;s Richard Kettleborough officiating alongside Bangladesh&#39;s Sharfuddoula.Powered by <a href="https://www.froala.com/wysiwyg-editor?pb=1" title="Froala Editor">Froala Editor</a>

Sri Lanka ended Day 1 of the first Test in Chattogram at 258/4 after Angelo Mathews hit an unbeaten 114

Mathews' ton gives Sri Lanka strong start against Bangladesh

Bangladesh take on Sri Lanka in the first Test of the series at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram, starting Sunday (May 15). This two-match series will be part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23. While Sri Lanka have picked have won 50% of their matches, Bangladesh, on the other hand, have managed to accumulate just 16.67% of the points available.A series win for either side will help them make significant strides in the standings.Bangladesh do not have a particularly good record against Sri Lanka in Tests, having won just one of the 22 Tests.&nbsp;Tests head-to-headOverall: Matches 22 | SL 17 wins | BAN 1 win | 4 DrawsLast 5 matches: SL 2 wins | BAN 1 win | 2 DrawsSuggested team<img src="https://images-cricketcom.imgix.net/1652547915528-articleimg" style="width: 600px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">While you could go with the above team, check out our <a href="https://www.cricket.com/fantasy-research-center/211360/ban-vs-sl-1st-test-sri-lanka-tour-of-bangladesh-2022" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fantasy Research</a> for more ideasGround detailsIn Tests since 2021, spin has been dominant at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, having picked up close to 64% of the wickets. However, the pacers have fared a little better having picked up a wicket every 31 runs and 61.7 balls apart, compared to the spinners, who have an average of 35.6 and have struck once every 7.2 deliveries.<img src="https://images-cricketcom.imgix.net/1652547882973-articleimg" style="width: 600px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The key here will be to bat first and get a big total on the board as chasing in the fourth innings could be a tough ask. The average first innings total at this venue since 2021 has been 380.&nbsp;CaptainNo opening batter has scored more runs than Dimuth Karunaratne in Tests since 2021. Overall, only Rishabh Pant (1,077) and Joe Root (2,066) have scored more runs than Karunaratne (1,068) in this time period, further showing that he is among the most consistent batters in the world at the moment. His scores have come at an average of 62.82 and has hit five tons and three fifties since 2021. We could expect a lot of runs from the Sri Lankan skipper&rsquo;s bat on this tour.Our <a href="https://www.cricket.com/criclytics/211360/ban-vs-sl-1st-test-sri-lanka-tour-of-bangladesh-2022/player-projection" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Criclytics Player Projector</a> predicts Karunaratne could score 69-104 runs in this matchX-FactorsIn his four Tests so far, left-arm orthodox spinner Praveen Jayawickrama has made quite the impact. He has picked up 25 wickets since his debut against Bangladesh in March 2021 and has done so at an average of 19.48 and strike-rate of 40.5, which are significantly better than the other two spinners &ndash; Lasith Embuldeniya and Ramesh Mendis. If picked, he could play a pivotal role for Sri Lanka in the series.&nbsp;Our Criclytics Player Projector predicts Jayawickrama could pick up 6-8 wickets in this matchMehidy Hasan has been in decent form in Tests since 2021. He has picked up 38 wickets at 38.68 and with the bat, he has struck 434 runs at 24.11, including one century. Among bowlers, only Taijul Islam with 39 scalps since 2021 has more, but the fact that Mehidy can also score some valuable runs works in his favour.Our Criclytics Player Projector predicts Jayawickrama could score 23-37 runs and pick up 3-5 wickets in this matchTamim Iqbal returned to Test cricket for the first time in a year against South Africa recently. He scored 47 and 13 in his two innings as Bangladesh went on to lose by 332 runs. However, he could be crucial cog at the top of the order and with over 4,800 in 65 matches, all his experience will come into play in this series.Our Criclytics Player Projector predicts Tamim could score 64-97 runs in this matchHere are the top-ten picks as per Criclytics prediction:<img src="https://images-cricketcom.imgix.net/1652547844291-articleimg" style="width: 600px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Probable XIsBangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Tamim Iqbal, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Shohidul Islam.Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne, Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Lasith Embuldeniya, Praveen Jayawickrama, Vishwa Fernando.Powered by <a href="https://www.froala.com/wysiwyg-editor?pb=1" title="Froala Editor">Froala Editor</a>

Here are a few tips that might help you create your fantasy team for the first Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka

Dimuth Karunaratne

Mehidy Hasan Miraj

Praveen Jayawickrama

Fantasy Preview: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test

The start of a new season has always had a different charm to it. The overdose of T20s coupled with the complete absence of any other cricket beyond the Indian Premier League has certainly made it a tiresome practice, from which a respite is definitely needed. The Test series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka has come at the perfect time to give cricket fans around the world a sense of liberation to revel in the magic of the five-day format.It is even more important for Sri Lanka, the visiting side, currently in Bangladesh isle, to hold their chances in a golden pot and make their compatriots forget the economic and political turmoil that has had a far-reaching and devastating impact on the country than anyone had ever imagined. The worsening situation after the resignation of the Prime Minister further catalyzed the protest, which gained steam when the Sri Lankan government declared an emergency around the country. The less we talk about inflation and standard of living the better. Could cricket play the role of a calming influencer?The first Test of the series, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship, starts on Sunday at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong. Leaving everything behind, this will also be a fresh start for Chris Silverwood, who after being sacked from his role as the England head coach, has taken over the role of full-time head coach of the Sri Lankan side. He has a monkey on his back to release post the devastating Ashes loss to Australia that cast a question mark over his credibility as a top-level coach, and the Bangladesh series has come as a perfect opportunity to achieve that success.WTC StandingCurrently, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are placed fifth and eighth respectively on the points table and this series is a perfect opportunity for both sides to climb up. Two losses to India last March cast a blow on the Lankans, but those losses were already accounted for. And now, under a new coach, Sri Lanka can wish to change the whole narrative at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong, which is known to be one of the most spin-friendly venues in Asia.Players to watch out for&nbsp;Dimuth Karunaratne&nbsp;Undoubtedly, all eyes will be on Dimuth Karunaratne and how he tackles the Bangladesh spinners. In Bengaluru, on one of the toughest wickets to bat on, the Sri Lankan skipper managed to keep the Indians at bay on his way to a splendid century and the way he tackled spin in that particular game was extraordinary. Even looking beyond the short-term, it is safe to assume that he is among the elite few batters in world cricket at the moment who has a game against both quality pace and spin, adding a new zing to the way he processes his stubbornness. Suranga Lakmal&#39;s retirement and Dushmantha Chameera being rested might work against the idea of leading this side, but as far as batting is concerned, a lot will depend on how he anchors the innings alone.Shakib Al HasanThe drama in Bangladesh cricket around player injury management is not new and the player who has played a central figure in all controversies has to be Shakib Al Hasan. While some of his decisions have been frustrating to witness from a team selection standpoint, needless to say, he will be a huge asset for Bangladesh in the two-match series. The all-rounder is likely to bat at No 7 with Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das batting at No.5 and No.6 respectively, but his role becomes highly transitionary and important in the context that there is a Mosaddek Hossain coming in at No.8. The kind of fragile batting order that they possess, especially in the absence of all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib holds the key both with the bat and ball.Probable XIsSri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Ramesh Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Lasith Embuldeniya, Kasun Rajitha, Praveen Jayawickrama, Vishwa FernandoBangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Shanto, Mominul Haque (C), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Mosaddek Hossain, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot HossainVenue: Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, ChattogramWhen: May 15-19, 2022&nbsp;Powered by <a href="https://www.froala.com/wysiwyg-editor?pb=1" title="Froala Editor">Froala Editor</a>

Currently, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are placed fifth and eighth respectively on the points table

Shakib Al Hasan

Niroshan Dickwella

Sri Lanka seek respite from turmoil as WTC resumes in Bangladesh

Bangladesh&#39;s star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been cleared to play in the first Test against Sri Lanka starting Sunday after recovering from Covid, the cricket board said on Friday.The 35-year-old is Bangladesh&#39;s leading wicket-taker in Tests and is ranked the number four Test all-rounder worldwide and number one in one-day internationals.&quot;Shakib tested Covid-19 negative. He can play the first Test provided he is fit,&quot; chief selector Minhjaul Abedin told AFP.He had initially been ruled out of the Test in Chittagong having tested positive after returning from the United States, where his family lives.Shakib missed Bangladesh&#39;s previous Test series against South Africa due to a family emergency but played in the subsequent ODI series, which the Tigers won 2-1.Sri Lanka&#39;s cricket team arrived in Bangladesh on May 8 for the two-Test series that is part of the ICC World Test Championship.The second will be in Dhaka from May 23.Powered by <a href="https://www.froala.com/wysiwyg-editor?pb=1" title="Froala Editor">Froala Editor</a>

The all-rounder tested positive for Covid and was doubtful for the first Test against Sri Lanka at home

Bangladesh's Covid-hit Shakib cleared to play Sri Lanka Test

Bangladesh allrounder Shakib al Hasan has been ruled out of their first Test against Sri Lanka beginning from May 15 after testing positive for COVID-19.According to Cricbuzz, Shakib tested positive twice after returning from the USA on Monday and will stay in isolation for the next five days. He was expected to join the national team in Chattogram ahead of the series.&quot;Shakib tested COVID positive and will not be available for the opening Test against Sri Lanka,&quot; Jalal Yunus, BCB&#39;s cricket operation chairman told Cricbuzz.The star allrounder was set to make a return to the Test side after a gap of five months after skipping the red-ball series against New Zealand and South Africa. He last featured in the Test whites in December 2021 against Pakistan.The first Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is set to be played from May 15 to 19 at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.Powered by <a href="https://www.froala.com/wysiwyg-editor?pb=1" title="Froala Editor">Froala Editor</a>

The first Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is scheduled to be played at Chattogram from May 15-19

Shakib ruled out of Sri Lanka first Test due to COVID-19

Bangladesh&#39;s lead spinner Mehidy Hasan has been ruled out of their first Test against Sri Lanka due to a finger injury. BCB&#39;s selection panel member Habibul Bashar said that Mehidy is doubtful for the second Test in Dhaka starting on May 23.Mehidy suffered a hairline fracture on his index finger on April 24 while playing for Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in the ongoing Dhaka Premier League. He was named in <a href="https://www.cricket.com/news/shakib-named-in-bangladesh-squad-for-sri-lanka-first-test-1650813965000" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bangladesh&#39;s squad for the first Test in Chattogram</a> on Sunday as chief selector Minhajul Abedin said the injuries sustained by Mehidy and senior batter Mushfiqur Rahim were minor.&quot;He (Mehidy) is definitely ruled out from the opening Test due to a hairline injury while he is also doubtful for the second Test,&quot; Bashar told Cricbuzz on Monday.Bangladesh have also named pacer Shoriful Islam for the Test alongside uncapped Rejaur Rahman Raja for the first Test while injured pacer duo Taskin Ahmed and Shadman Islam were sidelined.Star allrounder Shakib al Hasan also returned to the side after skipping the Test series against New Zealand and South Africa due to personal reasons.The first Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will be played at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram from May 15-19Powered by <a href="https://www.froala.com/wysiwyg-editor?pb=1" title="Froala Editor">Froala Editor</a>

The spinner had suffered a finger injury while playing in the Dhaka Premier League

BAN VS SL,1st Test

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