Injury not serious: Tamim

Two days after the cricketers rejoiced England's decision to continue its tour of Bangladesh as per the original schedule, bad news has struck the Tigers camp.

Following Bangladesh's training session at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday, chief selector Minhajul Abedin informed reporters that opening batsman Tamim Iqbal had sustained an injury to his left hand and that he would be out of action for at least three weeks.

According to Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) sports physician, Debashish Chowdhury, Tamim hurt his left little finger on Saturday during catching practice. Following a medical examination yesterday morning it was revealed that he had sustained a fracture on the finger.

“He has suffered a fracture on his left finger. But the good part is that it's an 'un-dislocated' fracture and the fracture hasn't spread. We will reassess his condition on September 17. It usually takes around three to four weeks to recover from such an injury,” Debashish told reporters yesterday.

“Since the England series is scheduled to begin on October 7, Tamim has enough time to recover. The only concern is that he won't be able to practise for the next three to four weeks,” Debashish added. 

Tamim, however, remained confident. He reckons that he would not only be ready in time for the England series but will also be able to play against Afghanistan, if the series takes place.

As per latest developments, Afghanistan team is expected to tour Bangladesh right before England's arrival on September 30.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Tamim said: “I hurt my finger while attempting to go for a catch during training yesterday. It still does hurt a bit but I am confident that I can come back soon and play the England series.”

“Doctors have said that it will take me around two to three weeks to recover. This is the first time that I have injured my ring finger. What I have to do right now is to wait for the fracture to heal. Once that happens I can take the next step. Let's see how it goes,” the left-handed batsman said.

Tamim is the second national player to get injured ahead of the England series. Pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who underwent a shoulder operation on August 31, will not be taking part in the England series.

England are set to arrive here on September 30 to play two Tests and three one-day Internationals in Chittagong and Dhaka.