Mustafizur finds rhythm with red ball in Sri Lanka XI warm-up

Bangladesh seamer Mustafizur Rahman has begun his Sri Lanka tour with a fine pace bowling show in the warm-up match ahead of the two-Test series.

The two-day match ended in a draw after Sri Lanka Cricket President’s XI made 403 for 7 in reply to Bangladesh’s 391 for 7 at Moratuwa on Friday.

The 21-year-old pacer, who had a shoulder surgery last year, showed no signs of discomfort, bowling at his natural pace and with trademark swing.

He exploited the track masterfully to return 2 for 28 from 12 overs including four maidens.

Captain Mushfiqur Rahim used his bowlers sparingly on a windy day at the De Zoysa Stadium in energy-sapping conditions under a baking sun.

In the first session, Mustafizur bowled six overs in two spells, conceding nine runs from his initial four-over spell. He produced two edges in his first two overs, both of which went for boundaries.

He switched ends in his second spell and got the breakthrough when he deceived Ron Chandraguptha with a slower and held on to a return catch with some effort. He went for just two runs for a wicket in that two-over spell.

Mustafizur strangled the batsmen from one end and young Taskin Ahmed, who bagged three wickets, reaped the rewards by luring them with short deliveries outside the off-stump.

The left-arm pacer returned to international action during Bangladesh’s tour of New Zealand after a five-month lay-off following surgery.

He did not play in the Test matches there. He then also pulled out of Bangladesh first Test visit to India.

The left-arm seamer opened the bowling in the second session as well and continued in the same manner, signaling a return to his top form before the first Test begins on Tuesday.