CHATTOGRAM, Bangladesh (AP) — Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal wants to assess his fitness in 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 beat by a record 546 runs, due to back pain.
The injury flared up during practice, but he decided to lead the team in Wednesday’s first game to determine the extent of it.
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“I’m in better shape and in a better frame of mind than before, but I wouldn’t say I’m 100 percent,” Tamim said. “I can assess my situation after the game.
“So far the decision is that I will play tomorrow’s game. I have to see how much I can handle and how much I can’t. I will not do anything that will make the team suffer. I have always believed that team comes first.
Every series is crucial as Bangladesh prepares for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup. He will play the Asia Cup and three-match ODI series at home before the World Cup starts in October.
“If I feel that I am not ready during the game and it can be very dangerous, then I will take a decision together with the medical department,” Tamim added.
Although Bangladesh did not announce a vice-captain, Liton Das led the team to a 2-1 win over India last year when Tamim was injured. He also led the team during the Test against Afghanistan.
Tammy feels there are many people who could fill the role.
“I am sure there are many cricketers in our team who can lead the team in my absence. I don’t think it’s a big deal.
Although he easily won the position test in Afghanistan, he is expecting a tough fight.
“They are one of the best bowling units in the white-ball format and Rashid Khan is back so I expect it to be a challenge and it won’t be a cake-walk like the Test,” he said.
Afghanistan are brimming with confidence after winning 11 out of 15 matches in the ICC ODI Super League.
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi believes Rashid Khan can give them the edge in the ODI series.
“Of course he (Rashid) is a big man for us. When he is with us, as captain, I feel confident,” Shahidi said.
“This is a positive sign for us. We have not played the Test but now it is in the ODI series. I know it will do us good.
“The test match taught us a lot. So now we are well prepared. We don’t know what will happen. We have prepared for everything.
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