Tamim Iqbal might have missed the golden opportunity to score 1000 runs in Test cricket as first Bangladeshi batsman in 2010 but another record beckons the country’s swashbuckling opener. When the one-off Test against Zimbabwe will begin on August 4, Tamim, arguably the best opener Bangladesh has ever produced will get the chance to hit successive three centuries in Test cricket.
During a blockbuster year of 2010, the southpaw had been in a form of his life when he scored 837 runs in just seven Tests with three centuries. Amongst the three, the last two centuries came against England where he dealt with a tough condition and World’s one of the best bowling line up. He etched his name in Lords honours board with an eye catching century and then defied Old Trafford’s seam and swing condition to hit another classy century.
Tamim particularly found the English bowling to his liking as he derailed them in both home and away. He however had handled other countries similarly as his statistics read during that year 837 runs at a staggering average of 59.78. His strike rate over 80 was also something to announce his ability to tear apart any bowling line up. The performance gave him some rewards like Test Player of the Year by the Wisden Cricketer magazine and also Wisden Cricketer of the year.
A ridiculous decision of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to stop Test cricket in order to have a good preparation for World Cup deprived the southpaw in 2010 to score 1000 runs in the longer version format. But now when another record to hit successive three Test centuries as first Bangladeshi batsman beckons him he was ready to respond, though a slight groin injury and 14 months hiatus from Test cricket could be the main obstacle.
“I’ll play the way what is my style. I’ll approach that way and there is no problem in my mentality. I am ready to respond,” he told the reporters ahead of leaving the country on Wednesday.
“I’ll assess my injury condition once we reach in Zimbabwe. I may opt out the practice match if it is necessary but at the moment I felt no problem,” he said regarding his injury.
Tamim however acknowledged the long absence from Test cricket and the lack of preparation could be a great obstacle but was determined to mark the Test.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh reached Harare on Thursday night after having some trouble regarding visa complexity, said a BCB source.
The team had to stay at Doha airport for two hours as they had no transit visa for South Africa on the way to Harare. However the team at last landed at Harare airport after 37 hours grueling journey. They will practice on Friday.
Shakib Al Hasan and co will start the tour with a three-dayer practice match against Zimbabwe XI which will begin on Saturday. The one-off Test between the two sides will begin on August 4.
-With The Independent input
