Bangladesh axe batsman for second Sri Lanka Test

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March 13, 2017 10:43 AM

Bangladesh are trailing the hosts 0-1 in a two-match series after last week's crushing 259-run loss at Galle.

Bangladesh batsman Mahmudullah Riyad looks back at his shattered wicket after his dismissal by Sri Lankan bowler Lahiru Kumara during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on March 9, 2017

Bangladesh have dropped batsman Mahmudullah Riyad from their squad for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo, a senior cricket official said on Monday.

"Mahmudullah is coming back home before the second Test as he is struggling with form," chief selector of the Bangladesh Cricket Board Minhajul Abedin told AFP.

"A fast bowler will also return though we have not decided yet who he should be," he said.

Going into their 100th Test match on Wednesday at the P Saravanamuttu Stadium, Bangladesh are trailing the hosts 0-1 in a two-match series after last week's crushing 259-run loss at Galle.

Mahmudullah, who has played 33 Test matches since his debut against the West Indies in 2007, scored 8 and 0 in the two innings at Galle.

The 31-year-old has scored only one half-century in last seven Tests.

Opening batsman Imrul Kayes has already joined the squad in Colombo as a replacement.

Imrul missed the last three Tests -– respectively against New Zealand, India and Sri Lanka -- because of a hamstring injury.

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