Bangladesh captain Tamim to assess fitness in ODI series opener against Afghanistan
The Hindu
Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal wants to assess his fitness by playing the opening game of the three-match one-day international series against Afghanistan.
Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal wants to assess his fitness by playing the opening game of the three-match one-day international series against Afghanistan.
Tamim was ruled out of the one-off test against Afghanistan last month, which Bangladesh won a record 546-run margin, due to a lower back issue.
The injury resurfaced during a practice session but he has decided to lead the side in Wednesday's first match to determine its extent.
"I am in a better state and better frame of mind than before but I won't say I am at hundred percent,” Tamim said. “After the game, I will be able to assess my situation.
"Until now the decision is that I am playing tomorrow's game. I need to see how much I am able to cope and how much I can't. I won't do something for which the team suffers. I always believe team comes before any individual.”
Every series is crucial as Bangladesh prepares for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup. It will also play the Asia Cup and a three-match ODI series at home before the World Cup starts in October.
“During the game if I feel that I am not ready and it can be too risky then I, along with the medical department, will take a decision,” Tamim added.
Asian Games champion Avinash Sable opened his season in the 3000m steeple chase with a silver in the Portland Track Festival, a World Athletics Continental Tour bronze event, in Oregon on Saturday. He clocked 8:21.85s. Asian champion Parul Chaudhary took the bronze in the women’s 3000m steeple chase in a season-best 9:31.38s. Former Asian bronze medallist Sanjivani Jadhav struck gold in the women’s 10,000m in 32:22.77s, a time which was a second off her personal best, while Seema was sixth in 32:55.91s.