Bangladesh have called up fast bowler Nazmul Hossain as cover for injured skipper Mashrafe Mortaza for the second Test against the West Indies.

Mortaza sustained a knee injury while bowling on the third day of the first Test at St Vincent on Saturday and had to be helped off the field.

Bangladesh Cricket Board's media manager Rabeed Imam said they were hoping Mortaza would be fit in time for the second Test but had called for a replacement just in case.

"Mortaza is unlikely to take part in the rest of the first Test," Imam said.

"The team physio is working on getting him fit in time for the second. Nazmul will join the squad as back up and will leave as soon as possible."

BCB's media committee chairman Jalal Yunus said Mortaza's injury was not serious and that he could bat with a runner if required.

"The swelling has reduced overnight and if needed Mortaza would be able to bat with a runner," Yunus said.

"There is no facility to take an MRI scan in Kingstown so he would have to travel to Grenada for an assessment of the extent of the injury," he said.

Bangladesh hold a 252-run lead going into the final day against the Windies with five second-innings wickets remaining.

They are expected to look for quick runs early in the day before setting the home side a victory target.