Bangladesh faces setback ahead of Test series against Pakistan

Bangladesh's preparations for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan have been hindered by the injury of their regular opener, Mahmudul Hasan. 

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that Mahmudul has been ruled out due to a groin injury and will be sidelined for three weeks. A replacement for Mahmudul has yet to be announced.

BCB chief physician Debashish Chowdhury informed Cricbuzz on Saturday, August 17, "We have received a mail regarding Mahmudul where it is stated that he sustained injury to his right groin and as a result he is being rested for three weeks." 

Mahmudul, who had been part of the Bangladesh A team that played against the Shaheens in Islamabad, picked up the injury while fielding. This unfortunate turn of events prevented him from batting in the second innings. 

Despite this setback, Mahmudul had shown promising form earlier, scoring 65 in the first innings against the Shaheens. His performance in the High Performance Unit's four-day matches against the Shaheens was also impressive, with scores of 69 and 65 runs.

The first Test of the series is set to commence in Rawalpindi on August 21, with the second Test scheduled for Karachi on August 30. 

Bangladesh's Test squad:

Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed.