ZIM vs BAN: Tamim Iqbal doubtful, Mushfiqur Rahim all set for one-off Test

Bangladesh star batter Tamim Iqbal is a doubtful starter for the team’s one-off Test against Zimbabwe that begins on Wednesday (July 7). The southpaw suffered a knee injury while playing in the domestic T20 competition last month and since then he has been recovering from the blow. But all is not lost for Bangladesh, as wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim is recovering well from the finger injury which he had suffered last month while playing the Dhaka Premier League (DPL).

Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo is confident that Rahim will be fit just in time to take on Zimbabwe in a five-day Test match. The diminutive batsman was seen in good form against the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka, before succumbing to an untimely injury.

With Tamim still in doubt to play the Test match, Rahim’s role will become more important, since he is one of the most experienced batters in the team.

“We are still not 100% sure about Tamim,” Domingo told ESPNCricinfo. “There’s still a lot of doubt regarding him. I think a decision will be made in the near future. Mushfiq is pretty confident that he will be fit to play. He has done his rehab really well. Everything seems to be on track. I am pretty confident that he will play.”

Russell Domingo pleased to see the return of Shakib Al Hasan

Apart from few injury concerns, Domingo is happy to see star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan making a return to the Test fold. The 34-year-old missed the last series against Sri Lanka and is keen to make amends by trying to be as consistent. Domingo hailed Shakib and backed him to do well in all three departments of the game. He is likely to bat in the middle-order and will be Bangladesh’s frontline bowler in the game.

“Shakib looks really hungry to play Tests again,” he said. “The thing that’s always the key with big players is their desire and attitude when they come into a Test series. It is great to have him back. He balances the side really well.”

“He bats in the top six, and he is a frontline bowler. He is what every international team is looking for, so it is really pleasing to have him back. He has brought really good energy and attitude on this tour as well.”

With Tamim Iqbal likely to miss the encounter, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim will be their key players.