Ahead of the first Test against South Africa, Bangladesh have received a huge injury-boost as their star opener Tamim Iqbal is expected to be available for the game. The left-handed batsman was doubtful for the series-opener after suffering a thigh injury on the opening day of Bangladesh’s tour match against South African Invitational XI.
The 28-year old, Tamim, had sustained the injury after taking off for a quick single. He was forced to retire hurt after facing just 13 balls and later underwent a scan on Friday morning (September 22) to determine the extent of the injury.
His availability for the first Test was in severe doubt after he did not come out to bat on Saturday, but team physio Thihan Chandramohan has insisted the star opener will be fit in time for the first Test, scheduled to start on September 28.
“Tamim Iqbal got a minor muscle injury while batting. He looks pretty good. He will train normally this week and should be available for Test match,” Chandramohan told reporters on Saturday.
The physio further added that Soumya Sarkar is also not suffering any injury after he received a blow on his shoulder while fielding during the warm-up game.
“Soumya jarred his shoulder while fielding. It’s just precautionary that we kept him out of the field today but he will train normally this week,” said Chandramohan.
Meanwhile, the warm-up game might have given Mushfiqur Rahim & Co. how tough the series is going to be. One of the most improved teams in the world in the last few years, Bangladesh have won Test against the likes of England, Sri Lanka and Australia in recent times but they will have their task cut out when they take on South Africa in pacer-friendly conditions.
Bangladesh scored 306 for 7 in the first innings while the home side replied with 313 for 8. In the second innings, Imrul Kayes and Sabbir Rahman struck half-centuries, but the visitors could manage only 235 for the loss of 9 wickets.