Shadman Islam ruled out of South Africa tour with ankle injury

At Sylhet's second Test between Bangladesh and West Indies, a fielding mishap on Day 2 has forced a significant change to Bangladesh's touring plans. Opener Shadman Islam slipped near the boundary while attempting to stop the ball and twisted his ankle in the process. He was stretchered off the field and taken to hospital, where an MRI scan was conducted to assess the damage.

The injury has ended Shadman's involvement in the match. He was unable to take his place in Bangladesh's first innings, leaving the side to bat a man short in Sylhet. Meanwhile, a selection panel member has confirmed that his absence will extend well beyond this Test.

"He (Shadman) is ruled out from the South Africa tour," the selection panel member said as quoted by Cricbuzz.

How serious is Shadman's ankle injury?

Bangladesh physio Bayjedul Islam Khan flagged early on that Shadman would not be available to bat in the first innings, signalling the gravity of the situation from the moment the injury occurred. The full picture from the scan was awaited, but the initial indications were concerning. A selection panel member addressed the medical situation directly, noting the range of possible outcomes.

"As far as my knowledge is concerned, he suffered a tear while there is a possibility of a fracture as well," the selection panel member said.

Whether the ankle has sustained a ligament tear, a fracture or both remains subject to the complete scan report. No recovery timeline has been confirmed at this stage, and the exact diagnosis is still pending.

Who steps in for Shadman, and what does the South Africa tour involve?

Mymensingh opener Mahfizul Islam Robin is in line to join the touring party as Shadman's replacement. Mahfizul has already been part of the current Test squad environment in Sylhet, training with the national coaches in the nets, which puts him in a position to slot into the South Africa squad without delay.

Bangladesh are set to fly out of Dhaka on November 10, bound for South Africa. The tour is a full-format assignment, covering a two-match Test series, three ODIs and three T20Is. The opening Test runs from November 15 to 19 at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, while the second Test is scheduled at SuperSport Park from November 23 to 27.