Rubel Hossain injured as Bangladesh seek historic win

Bangladesh fast bowler Rubel Hossain has been ruled out of the second Test against Pakistan due to a side strain.

Rubel will be replaced by paceman Abul Hasan, who has played three Tests for Bangladesh, the last more than two years ago against Sri Lanka.

Rubel injured himself during the fourth day of the first Test in Khulna, which ended in a draw, and a scan confirmed a Grade 1 left side strain.

"It takes about three to four weeks to recover from such injuries. He will begin his rehab in the next couple of days," Bangladesh physiotherapist Bayjedul Islam said.

Bangladesh hope to secure their first Test victory over Pakistan when the second and final match of the series starts in Dhaka on Wednesday, having enjoyed a remarkable fightback to avoid defeat for the first time in nine matches in the drawn first Test.

The gallant display followed their dominant form against the struggling Pakistanis in the limited-overs contests where the hosts swept the one-day series 3-0 and easily won the lone Twenty20 international.

Bangladesh's only series wins so far since gaining Test status in 2000 have come against fellow wooden-spooners Zimbabwe and against an under-strength West Indies.

Former Test captain Habibul Bashar feels the time has arrived for Bangladesh to take a major step forward and win the series against Pakistan, who are placed third in the official rankings.

"We can surely go for the kill," Bashar said ahead of the Test at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. "We have a positive mindset which can help us gain an edge over the opponents.

"Our comeback in Khulna raised the team's confidence to a new level. Not many teams can do what we did against a side like Pakistan who have such a versatile bowling attack.

"After such a performance, the boys will naturally look for a win in Dhaka."