Tamim Iqbal has given Bangladesh another injury concern ahead of Sunday’s opening World Cup fixture against South Africa at The Oval, after being struck a blow on the left wrist while batting in the nets.
Tamim left the field immediately after the incident to be assessed by the Bangladesh Team Physio, and is expected to undergo a precautionary X-ray.
“It’s too early to say anything specific but we will have an x-ray and if there is a fracture, then he won’t be available,” said selector Habibul Bashar. “But if that is not the case, then we can hope he will be available for the opening game.”
The loss of Tamim would be a grievous one for Bangladesh. He has been the bedrock of their batting since the 2007 World Cup, and has been in superb form in all formats in recent series, including a brace of half-centuries en route to their tri-series ODI win in Ireland earlier this month.
What is more, his aggressive batting style is particularly suited to English conditions, where he averages 50.71 in seven ODIs (and 67.00 in Tests), including scores of 128 and 95 in his first two matches of the Champions Trophy in 2017.
Bangladesh are also monitoring the fitness of Mohammad Saifuddin, who is recovering from a back problem, along with Mashrafe Mortaza (hamstring), Mustafizur Rahman (calf) and Mahmudullah (shoulder). Shakib Al Hasan suffered a back spasm recently but is expected to be back to full fitness.