Mominul upbeat about Shakib's return during Sri Lanka tour

Bangladesh Test skipper Mominul Haque is relieved to have the services of all-rounder Shakib al Hasan from the middle of the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, reports Crcbuzz.

The tour, which was initially scheduled for July-August and postponed due to the pandemic situation, could now begin with the first of the three-Test series from October 24 in Kandy.

Shakib has his eyes set on a comeback as his ban, for failing to report multiple approaches made to him by a bookie, will end on October 29. He resumed cricketing activities from September 05 at the BKSP institute under the watchful eyes of two of his childhood coaches Nazmul Abedin and Mohammad Salauddin.

BCB president Nazmul Hasan has already hinted that Shakib could possibly play the second Test of the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka and chances are high that the all-rounder will be flown in just ahead of the opening Test.

"It's very relieving [to have him back]," Mominul told the online sports portal on Friday. "As a young captain I am extremely lucky that I will be getting the service of Shakib Bhai in the middle of the series," he said.