Taskin Ahmed was rested for the first two ODIs against New Zealand but was included in the squad for the third ODI. The right-handed pacer was brought back to the Bangladesh squad ahead of the third match. But Taskin's game in the third ODI is uncertain due to illness. He did not attend today's practice due to stomach pain.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Chief Medical Officer Debashish Chowdhury confirmed the matter to The Business Standard. He said that Taskin has become a doubt due to stomach problems. Whether he will be able to play, will be decided later, taking into account his physical condition.
Debashish Chowdhury said, "Taskin has no injury problem. He has problems like food poisoning and an upset stomach. No injuries, and we hope it gets better. We have to wait to make a decision about him."
When asked whether Taskin will be able to play in the third ODI, this BCB doctor said, "It is not possible to say whether he will be able to play now. It is not certain. Food poisoning usually does not last long. But if the problem is gone, you have to see if there is any weakness. If there is no fatigue or weakness, there will be no problem playing."
Bangladesh started the ODI series against New Zealand at home soon after returning home from the Asia Cup. A number of key players have been rested keeping in mind, workload management and the final few spots for the World Cup. One of them was Taskin. He was returned to the squad for the third ODI, but his game was uncertain due to illness.
Khaled Ahmed has been asked to stay with the team due to uncertainty about Taskin. Today he practiced bowling and fielding in Mirpur. The right-arm pacer, who made his ODI debut in the second match against New Zealand, was not included in the squad for the third match. However, Khaled could be seen in the playing XI if Taskin is ultimately unable to play.