Bangladesh confident of Hridoy's availability for NZ series

Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy is managing a tennis-elbow injury ahead of the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand at home, beginning April 17.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board's medical team is optimistic he will be fit for the series, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is. However, his ability to handle his adjusted preparation routine remains to be seen.

Hridoy, known for extensive net sessions, must significantly manage his workload to play with this injury, which is unlikely to heal completely soon.

A BCB medical unit member stated, "Hridoy is struggling with a tennis elbow injury, typically caused by repetitive movement for a batter's top hand. The issue was present slightly during the last Bangladesh Cricket League, but we managed it. It worsened during the Pakistan series when a yorker hit the bottom of his bat, causing his elbow to tremble with pain. It became painful for him even to hold the bat."

"The rule is to stop the repetitive movement causing the pain. We have stopped that and are continuing with other activities. We are providing advanced treatment to have him ready for the New Zealand series and are confident he will be available."

"However, becoming 100% pain-free is very difficult; it usually takes about a year to heal. We have counselled him that some pain will remain and he must manage it. Waiting for complete pain relief would mean not playing cricket for a year."

Bangladesh senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin noted they will have a clearer assessment once Hridoy joins the skill camp.

"I have heard about his tennis-elbow issue, but there's no need to panic as batters have continued playing with it. When he joins the skill camp, we need to monitor his response to get a clear picture of his condition," he said.

Bangladesh's national team completed a seven-day fitness camp on April 2 and is expected to start the skill camp from April 5. New Zealand are scheduled to arrive on April 13.