Opener Tamim Iqbal is unlikely to take part in Bangladesh’s two unofficial matches against Cricket Australia XI, despite making good progress with his fitness levels, said a team official on Sunday. Tigers, currently in Brisbane for two-week long conditioning camp, are scheduled to play two matches against Cricket Australia XI on Tuesday and Thursday respectively, with Australia captain Michael Clarke expected to feature in the second match.
‘Tamim’s chances of playing in the first two practice matches are very slim,’ team manager Khaled Mahmud told reporters on Sunday. ‘But he will play the official practice matches in Sydney.
‘We don’t want to rush him in the field and rather want him to be completely fit before the opening match against Afghanistan.
‘He will begin fielding sessions tomorrow,’ said Mahmud.
Tamim, who is recovering from a knee operation, had earlier expressed his desire of playing at least one match in Brisbane in order to adjust.
Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe earlier said that Tamim will have to play at least two practise matches and show his fitness to get a place in the playing XI.
Meanwhile, Bangladeshi players are working hard to cope with the heat, according to the manager.
‘The training has been okay but the one thing that the players have had to work hard is to battle with the heat,’ said Mahmud.
‘Players are getting tired after short stints. But in one sense it’s a good test for them. They are getting the right feel,’ said Mahmud, Bangladesh will have an optional training session on Monday
ahead of their first unofficial warm-up match.
-With New Age input
