Bangladesh is weighing the fitness of Litton Das ahead of the opening Test against the West Indies, scheduled to begin on October 28 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. While the wicketkeeper-batter participated in training at the BCB Academy on Sunday, team management has maintained a cautious stance regarding his availability for the upcoming match.
A member of the selection committee stated that it is impossible to confirm his status at this time, describing his current condition as a 50-50 scenario. Officials are closely monitoring his progress, hoping for sufficient recovery to ensure his participation in a series they consider highly important. A decision will ultimately be reached through deliberations between team management and senior Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) leadership to avoid the risk of re-injury. Suggesting that he had made considerable progress in his recovery, litton batted comfortably in the nets and played some big shots. However, a member of the selection panel struck a note of caution. According to 100% is not really needed, basically, if we can at least cover his minimum requirements, that’s why we might be taking some time,”, Another member of the team management.
Litton was previously sidelined during the recent tri-nation ODI series against Zimbabwe and Afghanistan due to inflammation in a gluteal muscle tendon. Although internal reports indicate that the pain has diminished, the medical team opted to bypass a scheduled fitness assessment on October 24. Staff noted that while he is engaging in functional training, he has yet to regain full strength or mobility in affected joints, which remain stiff from chronic workload issues. “Litton is able to do his functional training now, but functional training doesn’t mean he is 100% fit.
Management emphasized that full fitness might not be an absolute prerequisite, provided he can meet the basic physical demands of the format. They are being careful not to rush his return, as a setback could lead to a significantly longer layoff. Litton is reportedly eager to play, but the board must balance his individual desire against the long-term risk of exacerbating the injury. But we will wait till the end and hope he can recover sufficiently to play the series opener as it’s very important for us,” he said. The management must decide whether to risk fielding him before he has fully recovered, while Litton is understood to be keen to play.
This series precedes a busy international schedule for the Tigers. Following the first Test, the second match is set to take place in Sylhet starting November 5. Bangladesh is then slated to travel to South Africa for a tour beginning November 15, which will feature two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is.
