Tamim, Rubel set to join team
As head coach Steve Rhodes worked with the Tigers in the nets before a fielding session at the ICC Academy ground in Dubai yesterday, opener Tamim Iqbal and pacer Rubel Hossain practised at the outer nets of the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium indoor premises.
However, while Rubel left for the United Arab Emirates yesterday evening after getting his visa, Tamim is still anxious about whether he can join the team in Dubai in time to play their opening Asia Cup fixture against Sri Lanka on September 15.
Tamim had received his visa along with Rubel but, according to sources close to the matter, there was a technical problem. Due to this, he had to re-send his visa to the authorities. However, it was learnt that Tamim received his visa later and he was expected to fly in the early hours of Wednesday.
Rather than giving in to his anxiety, the left-hander opted to bat in the nets to gauge how much he has recovered from the injury to his right hand's little finger, which he sustained during a skills training camp in Mirpur.
It has also been learnt that there is still some swelling on his injured finger but Tamim is confident that he will be able to participate in the first game.
Tamim and pacer Rubel Hossain were unable to fly for the UAE with the team on September 9 due to visa complications.
Rubel looked relaxed yesterday at the home of cricket in Mirpur ahead of his departure as his visa had arrived on Monday night.
In Dubai, the cricketers had to deal with scorching heat combined with high humidity during the training session but it is paramount for the Tigers to acclimatise with the tough conditions, which is why the board decided to send the team there a week before their first game.
Vice captain Shakib Al Hasan also joined the team in Dubai but the all-rounder is apparently still experiencing some discomfort on his left hand's injured little finger.
Despite the discomfort, it was learnt that the ace all-rounder would be ready to take the field from the first game of the tournament.