Tamim Iqbal ruled out of 2nd Test due to injury

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal has been sidelined for the 2nd Test match against South Africa due to injury. The southpaw sustained a grade one tear in his left thigh muscle during the three-day practice match against Cricket South Africa XI at Willowmoore Park in Benoni. It has also been reported that Tamim had complained about discomfort in the same area during the 1s Test match against Proteas at Senwas Park in Potchefstroom.

The explosive opener received the blow while fielding in the first innings. Post the 1st Test, Tamim visited a local doctor, who said that this kind of injury needs about 4 weeks to heal. The visitors warmed up on Wednesday but Tamim didn’t take part in any activity.

The 2nd Test begins this Friday at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein. The Bangladesh team Physio has said that Tamim could be back after a couple of weeks.

Tigers without their two highest run-getters

Post the heavy defeat in the 1st Test, Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim said “I did not know the wicket would be this flat. I thought the batsmen did not go big in the first innings that cost us. I can’t remember the last time we were bowled out under 100. It was really disappointing. Probably, we will come up with good plans in the next Test match. Mominul and Mahmudullah were the positives. Mominul and Mustafiz also bowled well in the second innings. We need to be mentally tough and that is an area we need to improve.”

With all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan rested for the Test series, Bangladesh will be without their two highest run getters. The last the Tigers played without either of the duo was in 2013 against Sri Lanka. On the opposition’s camp, Morne Morkel’s injury has dampened their 333-run win celebrations, who will be out for about 6 weeks.