Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal needs another one month to recover from the fracture on his right thumb and thus, the left-handed opener is all but ruled out from the upcoming tour of New Zealand for a two-match Test series.
Tamim had recovered from what was initially thought to be a single fracture, picked up during his participation in the Everest Premier League in October this year.
However, due to slow recovery, he underwent further medical assessment, on November 14, of the injury which revealed he had carried not one but two fracture on the same finger.
Tamim travelled to London earlier this week and met with the doctors in Leeds.
The doctor suggested that there is no need of a surgery and Tamim should rest for another one month and undergo treatment advised.
The doctor will assess the recovery by the end of December.
Bangladesh are scheduled to travel to New Zealand on December 8 for the two-match series, set to start in the first week of January.
Tamim is missing out from the Pakistan Test series at home too, which is set to begin this Friday.
Tamim while speaking to the media informed that he is upset for being out of the field for this long but happy that he doesn’t require a surgery.
“I was a bit worried for the possible surgery as it would have put me out for another eight to 12 weeks. The doctors said it is not required. The doctors said one of my fractures has almost recovered and the other one will take some time. There will be pain too and it will take at least four weeks to recover,” said Tamim.
“The doctor will assess my thumb by end of December. If permitted I can start with light batting sessions,” the Bangladesh ODI captain added.
Tamim had returned to the field facing tennis balls in the nets in the first week of November.
But the pain in facing cricket ball became a concern and had put the left-handed batsman for further medical assessment.
Tamim first attended the doctor in London over video call and travelled to Europe for further treatment.