BAMGLADESH received a huge injury scare as Tamim Iqbal suffered a side strain during a practice session at the academy premises on Tuesday.

The incident can be touted as a huge blow considering the opener was eyeing to make a comeback in the series against West Indies. The Bangladesh Cricket Board was also supposed to announce the squad for the series but will wait for an update on Tamim’s fitness before making a call.

Tamim is currently going through a rehabilitation programme after he was ruled out of the Asia Cup as he sustained wrist injury in the opening game against Sri Lanka.

“He sustained side strain while batting in the net. There is some pain in his ribs. We have done an ultrasound and decided to give him rest for 48 hours,” BCB chief physician Debashish Chowdhury said. “If we see there is no pain after 48 hours it is ok, but if there is there is pain than we need to go for his X-ray.”

Tamim had started his preparations but acknowledged there’s still some way to go before he sees himself playing a game. I have started batting against spin and the dog-stick.

“I haven’t faced any major pain, but since there’s a bit of weakness in my hand, particular shots give me a bit of pain. Once we do some strength work, the weakness will go away,” he had said. “Today is probably the third day that I am batting. I haven’t had a full net session.

There’s a lot of difference between playing 130-140 kph and playing against spin and the dog-stick. As of now, things are looking very positive. In the next three days, there’s going to be a full net session after which I can tell where I am at.

“Very less chance to play the second Test because I don’t think I can. I am not ready. I don’t think the physio will even permit me. It has just been three days of semi-batting, what I am doing right now.

“Unless I start full-fledged nets, it won’t be fair for the team from my part to declare myself fit. I think I will be fit for the first Test (against West Indies) and it won’t be fair to rule me out now because I will play the two-day game, if I feel that it is necessary. It depends where I am on November 16 or 17.”

Bangladesh will be eagerly looking forward to Tamim making a quick recovery as they take on Windies at home from November 22 in two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is. (Cricbuzz)