Tamim back in the nets

There is good news for Bangladesh fans as opener Tamim Iqbal, who sustained a thigh muscle injury on the first day of the three-day tour match in Benoni, batted at the Senwes Park nets today, three days before the start of the first Test against South Africa here at Potchefstroom.

His opening partner Soumya Sarkar, meanwhile, is still resting his right shoulder after landing awkwardly during fielding on the second day of the same tour match against South Africa Invitational XI from September 21-23.

Tamim was seen receiving throwdowns from head coach Chandika Hathurusingha, and seemed to be moving well. He was stretching well forward for the forward defence and was also comfortably rocking back for to play his trademark cut shots.

The concern for him was apparent as after the first half dozen throwdowns, Hathurusingha walked up to Tamim and asked whether he was okay. Tamim responded with a thumbs up sign.

With two days still to go for the first Test starting September 28, Tamim is being eased back to his routine. Before net practice, while the rest of his teammates were going through rigorous fielding drills, Tamim along with Soumya did some brisk walking with physio Thihan Chandramohan. It culminated in a few reps of a 20-yard jog.

Signs of Tamim returning to fitness is a huge boon for the Tigers as the talismanic Shakib Al Hasan has opted to sit out the Test leg of the tour of South Africa. The Tigers will be in desperate need of Tamim's quality and experience at the top of the order at the start of what promises to be a tough tour.