Tamim to play first ODI despite not being 100 percent fit

Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal decided to play the three-match ODI series opening game against Afghanistan tomorrow (Wednesday) despite not being 100 percent fit, according to his own admission.

The lower back issue which ruled him out of the one-off Test against Afghanistan, that the Tigers won by a record 546-run margin, resurfaced again due to the practice session for the ODI series, prompting him a pre-caution measure.

“I am in right frame of mind and physically in a better state than before but I won’t say I am hundred percent fit,” Tamim told the reporters today in Chattogram.

“But I am definitely available to play tomorrow’s game. It is to assess my condition.  After the game tomorrow, I will be able to understand what’s the situation. I need to see how much I am able to cope and how much I can’t. But I won’t do something through which the team suffers. I always say that the team comes before any individual.”

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha earlier said they have captain and back up opener ready if Tamim is unable to play the ODI series.

Tamim also thinks his absence won’t be problematic for the side as far as the leadership matter is concerned.

“I think there are many people in the side to be ready to take up the role. It won’t be a big deal,” he added.

Liton Das earlier led Bangladesh to a 2-1 series victory over India last year and also captain the side in the lone Test against Afghanistan last month. But BCB is yet to appoint a vice-captain in the ODI format.

“The captain and the vice-captain is decided by the board and my opinion in this regard is unnecessary. I don’t think any captain says that he needs him as vice-captain or he needs that person. If the board feels it is necessary in that case they will decide accordingly,” Tamim said.(BSS)