When we left, Litton really had a high fever: Simmons

Mahidul Islam Ankon probably never imagined he would play a Test match for Bangladesh just one day after being included in the squad. Due to Jaker Ali Anik's injury and Litton Das's illness, Ankon received a surprise debut cap for the Chattogram Test. Head coach Phil Simmons explained during a press conference how this wicketkeeper-batter became part of the team.

Although Liton Das practiced batting at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium the day before, he could not play in the match due to fever. On the morning of the match, as the players were about to leave the hotel for the ground, Liton was still suffering from high fever. Consequently, the team management decided to leave Liton out of the playing XI.

At the press conference after the first day's play, head coach Phil Simmons commented on Ankon’s unexpected debut, saying, "Ankon came into the team because Liton was not fit. At the same time, he is a wicketkeeper. Jaker Ali is also out due to concussion; otherwise, he would have been in the XI. This is definitely not an ideal way to include someone in the squad, but it can happen. I hope he takes advantage of the opportunity."

Despite the entire squad being present at the ground, Litton Das remained in the team hotel all day. Therefore, the head coach is unaware of his current condition. However, he noted, "This morning, when we left, he really had a high fever. I still don’t have any updates."

Zakir Ali Anik, who debuted in Mirpur, is missing from the Sagarika due to injury, and wicketkeeper-batter Mahidul Islam Ankon was added to the squad the previous day. Liton Das has been ill since last night. Due to viral fever, this wicketkeeper was also ruled out, leaving the Tiger team management with no choice but to hand the gloves to debutant Mahidul Ankon.