Injury break 'good for my body', says Shoriful Islam

Pace bowler Shoriful Islam insisted that he is not losing sleep over missing out on featuring in Bangladesh's playing XI for the opening Test against Australia in Darwin, which the visitors famously won by nine wickets. Shoriful claimed that he wasn't "unlucky" and that on the contrary, the break helped him return with fresh legs.

An injury for Shoriful paved the way for Ebadot Hossain to feature in the series opener, before the former linked up with the team. Shoriful is available for selection for the second Test in Mackay.

"No, not unlucky (to miss out the opening Test)," Shoriful told reporters in Mackay on Tuesday.

"Whatever happens doesn't happen with prior notice. After the injury, I got a few days of rest and did my rehab. I think it was good for my body," he said.

Shoriful expressed his delight at Bangladesh's historic win in Darwin, which marked their first in a Test on Australian soil, while going on to say that he was ready to play in Mackay if selected.

"I always prayed for those who were playing so that they could give their best and we could win. When we won the match, I was happier than anyone else in Bangladesh," he said.

"I felt really good. Alhamdulillah. It feels great to be part of such a victory, at least I made it into the picture even if I wasn't in the squad (laughs).

"It feels really good. I will try to carry this forward. I am always ready. Let's see, if it's in my destiny, In Sha Allah (playing the match)," he added, suggesting that he was raring to go.

Bangladesh reached Mackay on Tuesday (August 18) after a near 14-hour stay in the airport as their flight was delayed. But Shoriful said that it wasn't something to fuss about. Instead, he reckoned that the weather in Mackay would suit them considering it was not as hot and humid as Darwin, as well as back home in Bangladesh.

"I wouldn't call it a long journey, our transit just became longer because the flight was delayed," said Shoriful.

"Of course, when I was in Darwin, it was hotter than here. The weather here is good for us because it is very hot back home. Compared to that, it is suitable for us," he said.

Shoriful added that former pace bowling coach Allan Donald has stayed in touch with the team.

"He (Donald) sends personal text messages to everyone. He texted me, saying: 'Best of luck, you've returned from injury, hopefully you will play the next match, best wishes to you,'" said Shoriful.

Shoriful's eyes are firmly set on Bangladesh sealing a historic series win.

"Of course," he said when asked about the possibility of winning the series. "Which team does not want to win a series? We also want to win the series. In Sha Allah, we will try," he added.

Bangladesh have kickstarted their preparation for the second Test starting Saturday, August 22, at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. The series is part of the World Test Championship and a second win over Australia will keep the tourists well placed in the race for the final.