Saifuddin under observation after suffering concussion

By Bipin Dani

Mohammad Saifuddin, who suffered a concussion when he was hit on his helmet during the second ODI against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, is being kept under observation, according to the BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) physician Dr. Debashish Chaudhary.  

Saifuddin was hit on the helmet facing a delivery from Sri Lanka fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera. 
“We took him to the Evercare Hospital and he was examined by a neurologist. His CT scan report is normal and as per the protocol condition he will be monitored for a day before the final call is made about his availability for the final ODI,” he said. 

• Saifuddin was hit on the helmet facing a delivery from Sri Lanka fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera

“He (Saifuddin) seems to be fine and normal. We are just monitoring his physical condition and situation for a day,” he added. 

The like for like replacement made during the second ODI, with Saifuddin being replaced by Taskin Ahmed is the first instance of a concussion substitute in 50-over men’s cricket.  

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan pacer Shiran Fernado underwent one more periodic test on Tuesday. The results are awaited. 

The 28-year-old was found Covid-19 positive on two successive occasions in Bangladesh.  “Fernando has no Covid-19 symptoms,” Dr. Chaudhary emphasized.

The Sri Lankan team management conducted optional training for players on Wednesday. 

However, most of the players and coaching staff participated. Full training and fitness tests are scheduled for today, with drastic changes likely for the last ODI on Friday.