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Mushfiqur quells concern over fitness!

Mushfiqur Rahim returned to practice ground on Tuesday amid a concern over his fitness as he played some matches of the World Cup through injury.

But his return to the ground was delighting news for the team management who looked adamant to win the upcoming series against Sri Lanka at any cost.

Mushfiqur played Bangladesh’s last World Cup match against Pakistan through an elbow injury, which he sustained by a delivery of pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman in the net ahead of the match.

He also got injured ahead of Bangladesh’s game against West Indies and there was concern whether he could play the match.

As he played two matches in World Cup through injury, there was massive concern over his fitness ahead of Bangladesh’s three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.

However Mushfiqur Rahim, who is used to maintain a disciplined life, quelled the tension once again, being fit in time when it mattered most.

He was seen spending time in gym before began practicing at the central wicket of the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

The diminutive batsman scored 365 runs in eight matches for Bangladesh in World Cup with one century and two half-centuries. His tally is the second highest for the Tigers after Shakib Al Hasan’s 606.

But his knock was more worthy as he led Bangladesh two victories out of their three. His 78 against South Africa provided the backbone of their huge total even though Shakib hogged the limelight for his all-round performance.

He also helped Bangladesh overcome batting debacle against Afghanistan and struck an 87 ball-83 in extremely difficult pitch. But again Shakib Al Hasan snatched man-of-the-match award from him with his sterling all-rounder performance that included 51 runs and 5-29.

His return to practice gave the team management a sigh of relief and they included him in the 14-member squad for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh will leave the country on July 20 for Colombo. The three-match is scheduled on July 26, 28 and 31. All the matches will be held in Colombo Premadasa Stadium.

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