Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed left for England yesterday to consult an ankle specialist regarding the Achilles injury that ruled him out of the ongoing Test series against Zimbabwe.

"The injury first started in West Indies. I carried on playing with it. At the latter end of the BPL [Bangladesh Premier League], the soreness increased a lot more and I had to rest for a few matches.

"During the Premier League [Dhaka Premier League], the pain increased a lot more and it became difficult to put effort. That's when I informed the board and they wanted me to rest and undergo rehab since there are important assignments ahead. That's why I have been undergoing rehab without playing this [Zimbabwe] series," Taskin told The Daily Star before his departure yesterday.

Taskin is scheduled to consult Doctor James Calder, a renowned specialist in treating Achilles Tendinopathy, on April 29. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief physician Debashish Chowdhury is expected to join the right-arm quick in England ahead of the consultation.

"Right now, we are consulting someone very high-profile. Many footballers from the English Premier League and other athletes also consult with him. I have an appointment with him on April 29. The BCB has arranged everything," Taskin said.

Prior to his departure, Taskin bowled a session with very short run-ups at the Academy Ground in Mirpur on Saturday. He felt positive about his condition, suggesting that surgery might not be necessary, although a consultation would determine the next course of action.

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"I felt comfortable [bowling on Saturday]. With some rest, at times, there seems to be no problem at all.

"Surgery might be required if there is something major but as far as our understanding, it is not major but after the consultation, we will get a better idea."