World Cup 2019: Tamim Iqbal doubtful starter for South Africa tie on Sunday

Tamim Iqbal is set to play his fourth World Cup and Bangladesh’s chances bank heavily on the opening left-hand batsman. However, the 30-year-old, who already had an injury concern, sustained a fresh injury on his left hand during a net session at the Oval on Friday, two days ahead of his team’s opening match in the World Cup against South Africa.

Tamim’s injury will add to the headache of Mashrafe Mortaza’s side since they are already struggling with a lot of fitness problems. The ace batsman was seen walking out of the nets clutching his left hand. He was attended to by the physio Thian Chandramohan. Details were yet to emanate from the Bangladesh camp but chances of the Tigers going into their first game without Tamim are realistic.

“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 (for the match against South Africa). But if that is not the case, then we can hope he will be available for the opening game,” News18 quoted selector Habibul Bashar, who is accompanying the team, as saying. It may be mentioned here that it was under Bashar’s captaincy that Tamim had played a remarkable knock of 51 on debut in the World Cup against India in Port of Spain in 2007.

Tamim being assessed, says Courtney Walsh

Bangladesh fast bowling coach Courtney Walsh was not clear about the extent of Tamim’s injury and said that he was being examined. “He just got hit in the nets. We haven’t got any reports on him yet; he’s being assessed as we speak now, so unfortunately, I can’t give you any update on that,” he said, adding that he did not want to say anything definite without getting the details.

Tamim had set up a brave gesture during the Asia Cup last September when he batted against Sri Lanka with a broken wrist to ensure that his team hadn’t lost. He did not feature in Bangladesh’s only warm-up game against India ahead of the World Cup in Cardiff. The other game against Pakistan was washed out.

A number of other key members of the Bangladesh side, including captain Mortaza, wicket-keeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim, batsman Mahmudullah and bowler Mohammad Saifuddin are dealing with injuries of various kinds. Ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and pacer Rubel Hossain were also not injury-free.

Bangladesh have met South Africa thrice in the World Cup and pulled off a 67-run victory in the West Indies in the 2007 edition.