Fully fit Saifuddin looking forward to Windies series

Bangladesh pace-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin is happy to be back to full fitness and looking forward to the series against visiting West Indies.

He picked up an ankle injury on November 22 during a practice session for his Bangabandhu T20 Cup team Minister Group Rajshahi and had to leave on crutches but now he has made a full recovery.

"Thanks to Almighty, I am doing very well now. I was really worried if I would be able to regain full fitness ahead of the series. My trainer Baizid Bhai and physio Shawon Bhai helped me recover. They gave me the right advice and guided me back to full fitness," Saifuddin told the media on Wednesday. 

The 24-year-old was looking forward to playing international cricket after almost a year-long break due to Covid: Extremely excited to be back playing international cricket and representing the national team. All this time, I was stuck at home so it's a relief to be playing again. We played a few local tournaments and now it's always a matter of huge pride to play for your country. The biggest thing is to have Shakib Al Hasan Bhai back in the team and that makes things all the sweeter. And since this is a home series, we have extra motivation to do well." 

With competition for fast bowlers in the limited-overs format growing, Saifuddin knows that he has to be at his best to make the team: It's been good in the last three days doing high-intensity practice and working on my batting, bowling and fielding. In the last two local tournaments - the BCB President's Cup and Bangabandhu T20 Cup - the pacers did really well and that means that there will be more competition for places. I am giving it my best in training and the rest is up to Almighty. Overall, I have really enjoyed the sessions in the last few days. There will be more opportunities in the upcoming days to prove myself in the practice matches so hoping for the best."