Tamim fit to play, Soumya still doubtful

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal is close to full fitness and likely to play the first Test match against host South Africa while the other opener Soumya Sarkar is also set to be named in the starting XI. Tamim batted in the nets and also took part in warm-up and fielding sessions on the eve of their first Test. Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim informed that Tamim is likely to play the Potchefstroom Test. “At this stage Tamim is looking pretty good and hopefully [today] he will be in the park if nothing drastic happens in the afternoon. So hopefully he will be alright to play, and this is great news for us. All the other guys are fit and we can make a decision [Thursday],” Mushfiq told the media during the pre-Test press conference at Senwes Park Wednesday.

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Watch: Game on for Bangladesh vs SA first Test

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Soumya’s participation is still doubtful. With that said, Soumya took part in the warm-ups and joined the net session later on. “Soumya still have a slight injury problem. But hopefully he will be fit and can play the first Test,” stated Mushfiq. Tamim was injured and retired hurt batting on five during the Tigers’ three-day practice game against Cricket South Africa XI at Willowmoore Park in Benoni last week.

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Soumya also got injured while fielding during the same match. Both the openers are in good form in Tests this year. Tamim has scored 498 runs in 14 Test innings, with five half-centuries, at an average of 35.57. Soumya meanwhile, made 439 in 12 innings, with four half-centuries, at an average of 36.58.