Tamim ruled out of second South Africa Test, uncertain for ODIs

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal has been ruled out of the second and final Test match against South Africa due to injury. The left-handed opener incurred 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. Tamim took part in three net sessions prior to the first Test. He warmed up in the first two days and later batted against pace bowlers on the eve of the first Test.

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It was learnt that Tamim felt discomfort in the same thigh during the first Test against the Proteas at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom. He aggravated the injury while fielding in the first innings. Tamim was out of the field on day two for around 49 minutes before South Africa declared their innings during the tea session. As he was out of the field for a significant amount of time, the left-handed opener was not able to open the innings for Bangladesh in accordance with the law of the game.

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Later, Tamim batted at the No 5 position and remained not out on 22 after day two. During his innings, he looked slightly uncomfortable while taking runs but other than that, his feet movement was natural. Tamim was out of the field in the last session of day three as well.

More shocking news for the visitors- Tamim Iqbal won't available for 2nd Test & he is doubtful for ODI series against @OfficialCSA! #BANvSA

— Imran Hasan (@Imranhasan02) October 4, 2017

A day later, he was back fielding and remained in the field until the Proteas declared their second innings. The southpaw however, was able to play only four balls before being cleaned up by fast bowler Morne Morkel for nought in the second innings. Following the Potchefstroom Test, the Bangladesh opener paid a visit to the local doctor who informed this kind of injury usually needs four weeks to be fully healed. Bangladesh cricketers warmed up Wednesday with the exception of Tamim, who did not take part in any running or jogging session. Meanwhile, Bangladesh team manager Minhajul Abedin Nannu, also the chief national selector informed that Tamim’s chance of participation in the Bloemfontein Test has not been ruled out as of yet.

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal will miss the 2nd Test against South Africa in Bloemfontein after sustaining a thigh injury #SSCricket

— SuperSport Blitz (@SuperSportBlitz) October 4, 2017

The final assessment will be done today, on the eve of the second Test, and a decision will only be taken then. Bangladesh lost the first Test by a heavy margin of 333 runs against the Proteas. The second Test starts Friday at Mangaung Oval. The first of three ODIs will be held on October 15 at De Beers Diamond Oval in Kimberley. Prior to that, Bangladesh will take on CSA XI in a practice match in Bloemfontein on October 12.