Bangladesh veteran Litton Das is a doubtful starter for the first Test against West Indies on October 28 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. A hip injury has kept him out of recent action, and a selection committee member rates his availability at 50-50.
Litton Das Injury Status Ahead of the West Indies Test
Litton last featured in a Test match against Afghanistan this month. He reported the hip problem during the UAE tri-series and was ruled out of the ODI against Zimbabwe in that tournament.
On Sunday he was seen batting comfortably in the nets at the BCB Academy premises. However, net sessions alone have not settled the question of his match readiness.
What the Medical Report Says
According to a Cricbuzz report, the injury was an inflammation of a gluteal muscle tendon in the hip joint. The inflammation has subsided and the pain has reduced.
Stiffness and some muscular weakness remain, though, and he has not yet regained full strength. The BCB medical team continues to work on his recovery.
Litton Das Injury Timeline| Event | Detail |
|---|
| Last Test appearance | Versus Afghanistan, this month |
| Injury reported | During the UAE tri-series |
| Tri-series impact | Ruled out of the ODI against Zimbabwe |
| Scheduled fitness test | October 24 (skipped by the medical team) |
| West Indies 1st Test | October 28, Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium |
| West Indies 2nd Test | November 5, Sylhet |
Fitness Test Skipped, Selectors Remain Cautious
The BCB medical team opted to skip Litton's scheduled fitness test on October 24. He is now able to do functional training, but team management stressed that this does not mean he is fully fit.
One member of the team management said 100 percent fitness is not strictly required. The aim is to cover his minimum requirements, which is why the process may take more time.
Selection Committee Position
A selection committee member described Litton's status as neither available nor unavailable. He put the chance of Litton playing at 50-50, adding that the panel will wait until the last moment.
The same member called the series opener very important for Bangladesh. That explains the willingness to delay a final decision rather than rule him out early.
Availability Indicators| Indicator | Current Status |
|---|
| Pain level | Reduced |
| Tendon inflammation | Subsided |
| Net batting | Fluent, per reports |
| Muscular strength | Not fully regained |
| Selection committee assessment | 50-50 |
Impact on Bangladesh's Playing XI
Litton is reportedly eager to play the West Indies series. Even so, given his discomfort and the grade of the injury, it is understood that he is unlikely to feature in the Playing XI for the first Test.
If he misses out, Bangladesh would need to reshuffle their batting order for the opener. The selectors have not announced a replacement, so any change remains unconfirmed.
Looking Ahead to the Sylhet Test
The second Test begins in Sylhet on November 5, giving Litton roughly a week more to recover after the opener. A missed first Test could therefore still leave room for a return in the second match.
That outcome depends on how his stiffness and strength respond to continued treatment. The BCB medical team is expected to review his progress closely before each selection call.
Key Takeaways
The available information points to a gradual recovery rather than a setback. Pain and inflammation have eased, but full strength is yet to return.
With the selection committee rating the situation at 50-50 and reports leaning against his inclusion, a final decision is likely to come close to the toss on October 28.