Litton ruled out of Zimbabwe Test with calf injury

Litton ruled out of Zimbabwe Test with calf injury

Bangladesh have suffered a major blow ahead of the one-off Test against Zimbabwe, with in-form wicketkeeper-batter Litton Kumar Das ruled out due to a calf injury.

Litton also missed the recently concluded three-match T20I series against Australia after sustaining the injury during the ODI leg in Dhaka. He has been replaced in the squad by Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan.

"Das is recovering from a left calf strain… The BCB Medical Team is of the opinion that the batsman will struggle to attain match fitness for the Test within the available timeframe," the Bangladesh Cricket Board said in a statement.

Tour schedule:

• One-off Test: June 28, Harare Sports Club
• Three-match ODI series: July 6, 9, 11, same venue
• T20I series: July 15, 17, 19, Queen's Sports Club, Bulawayo

Litton and Taskin Ahmed will also miss the T20I series due to their Lanka Premier League commitments.

The first batch of Bangladesh's Test squad left for Zimbabwe on Sunday. Players involved in the white-ball series against Australia are expected to join soon.

Head coach Phil Simmons said he is not overly concerned about results and is focused on playing the brand of Test cricket the team has committed to.

"The last two matches against Pakistan showed how we want to play Test cricket. Whether you're playing Zimbabwe or England, you have to play to a certain standard."

Simmons added the Zimbabwe Test will serve as preparation for Bangladesh's tour of Australia later this year, though stressed there is still plenty of work to be done.