Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz was hospitalised for observation after he took a blow to the helmet from a bouncer in Dhaka during the second ODI against Australia on Wednesday. It raised alarm bells for teammates and supporters who were aware that head injuries in cricket are handled with great care post modern concussion protocols.
Mehidy’s injury took place while he was batting during Bangladesh’s innings. He misjudged the bounce on an attempted pull shot to a short ball and it hit him on the side of his helmet. The field medical team immediately attended to him and began the required concussion tests. He seemed to be in pain following the blow but played on, seeing Bangladesh home for victory.
That resolve played a decisive role in a pressure chase. Mehidy then chipped in with a vital 22 off just 22 deliveries and kept cool under pressure. Despite rain interruptions, he formed a few crucial partnerships to keep Bangladesh in the hunt. Now, the captain went on to complete his innings and win the match with a six which was a fabulous end to this magnificent partnership.
Bangladesh won the match by five wickets (by DL method) to register their first bilateral ODI series win against Australia. For the home side it was a milestone as Bangladesh have never beaten Australia in an ODI series before. It also emphasised how the team has progressed and gained self-belief over recent seasons, especially under Mehidy’s captaincy.
But, celebrations themselves were soon forgotten as focus turned to the health of their captain He was also taken to hospital after the match but out of precaution. The team management indicated that the switch was a routine precaution after his head took some contact. Initial reports had indicated Mehidy was conscious, in stable condition and responding normally.
Afterwards, Bangladesh vice-captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said the captain “looked fine” but doctors would keep a watch on him. The team will give additional updates once the medical evaluations are completed.
It was a stark embodiment of the dangers that now lurk in modern cricket, where bouncers have become something fast bowlers use primarily as an attacking tool. Mehidy, who had not just survived on the field but went on to be a major contributor in what was perhaps one of Bangladesh’s most important ODI victories ever. More important to him was the fact that whatever happened, this match would not be remembered for the injury scare but the historic achievement of Bangladesh.
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