Tanzid and Mushfiq's fitness to be decided on morning of Mackay Test

Bangladesh will wait until Saturday morning to confirm whether Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Mushfiqur Rahim are fit for the second Test in Mackay, with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto also giving an encouraging update on left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam, who he described as fully fit and bowling well ahead of the decider.

Uncertainty had built around both batters heading into the final training session on Friday, with Tanzid nursing neck stiffness that had kept him out of batting practice a day earlier, and Mushfiqur carrying a finger injury sustained during a net session.

Tanzid underwent a scan on his finger before returning to batting on Friday morning, prompting a cautiously positive response from his captain.

"Mushfiq bhai is fine. Tamim also batted today. Hopefully, we will be able to make a good decision tomorrow morning," Shanto said at the pre-match press conference.

Despite the encouraging signs, Shanto stopped short of confirming either player's availability, preferring to leave the final call until match morning.

"We have an idea. According to medical terms, we will have to see until tomorrow morning. We have all kinds of options available to us. I don't think there will be too much of a problem if Tanzid does not play."

Mushfiqur, who injured his finger in training a day earlier, returned to batting practice on Friday as well, albeit for a shorter session than usual, further easing concerns over his participation.

Shanto also addressed conditions at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, suggesting the Mackay wind could offer Bangladesh's seamers a genuine edge if used effectively.

"The bowlers will definitely get help because of the wind, they may get some swing. If the bowlers can make use of the wind, there will certainly be a good opportunity for them."

He was particularly upbeat on Shoriful, hopeful the left-armer could play an effective role in the XI if selected after working his way back to full fitness during the tour.

Reflecting on Bangladesh's two days of preparation in Mackay, Shanto said the squad had adjusted well to conditions noticeably different from Darwin.

"The preparation has been good. The weather is a little different. It is a little colder compared with there, and there is also more wind. But I think everyone got a fairly good idea through two days of training."

Soumya Sarkar, who missed selection for the first Test, also had an extended net session on Friday, keeping himself ready should Bangladesh need to reshuffle their top order depending on how the fitness situations resolve overnight.