Mahmudullah ready to take charge in Shakib's absence

Shakib is expected to be out of action for around three months following an injury to his left little finger – he sustained the injury in January and aggravated it during the Asia Cup 2018 last month.

He missed the home series against Sri Lanka in January-February and the early matches of the Nidahas T20 Trophy in March. In his absence, Mahmudullah led Bangladesh in Sri Lanka and, earlier, in two T20Is at home against the visiting Sri Lankans.

With Shakib out, Mahmudullah could well resume charge in the Tests against the Windies and Zimbabwe, and the T20Is against the Windies. Zimbabwe will tour first, in October-November, followed by the men from the Caribbean in November-December.

"I have always liked captaincy as it's a challenging job and at the same time it's a huge honour," Mahmudullah told reporters in Dhaka. "I have always looked forward to it, and if I get such an opportunity I am ready for it."

Bangladesh's injury list also includes their premier opening batsman Tamim Iqbal, who fractured his left wrist during his side's Asia Cup opener against Sri Lanka, while Mushfiqur Rahim is also recovering from a rib injury.

Mahmudullah himself has been struggling with a back injury he picked up during the multi-format series in the Windies earlier this year, but is expected to recover before the start of the series against Zimbabwe on 21 October.

"Injuries will be there and you have to play with it. Maybe it got worse after playing continuous cricket as I am feeling the pain in my rib area as well now," said Mahmudullah. "At the moment I am feeling a bit better and taking rest. I hope that I will be able to recover in time."