Head coach Hathurusinghe to be absent for second Test against Sri Lanka in Bangladesh: Report

Chattogram, Bangladesh is gearing up for the second and final Test match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka starting Saturday. Head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe will be absent due to personal reasons, confirmed by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Assistant coach Nic Pothas will lead the team in Hathurusinghe’s absence.

Bangladesh suffered a 328-run loss in the first Test against Sri Lanka. With Hathurusinghe unavailable, Pothas steps in to guide the team in their quest for redemption. The interim appointment comes as Bangladesh aims to bounce back from recent setbacks, including defeats in the ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka.

Notable changes in Bangladesh’s squad include the return of seasoned all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who replaces Towhid Hridoy. Hasan Mahmud also joins the team in place of the injured Musfik Hasan. These adjustments aim to strengthen the team as they face Sri Lanka in the final Test match without Hathurusinghe’s coaching expertise.

Hathurusinghe, who has played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s development since his return as head coach last year, leaves a significant gap in the team’s leadership. Pothas, known for his coaching experience with West Indies and Sri Lanka, is expected to provide guidance to the players during Hathurusinghe’s absence. His expertise will be crucial as Bangladesh looks to turn the tide in the series.