Despite making good progress with his fitness levels, opener Tamim Iqbal is unlikely to take part in Bangladesh's unofficial practice matches in unsoane. i ne Tigers are scheduled to play two matches against Australia XI on Tuesday and Thursday respectively, with Australia captain Michael Clarke featuring in the second match.

"Tamim's chances of playing either of the first two practice matches are very slim. But he will play the official practice matches in Sydney. We don't want to do anything rash with him. We want him to be completely fit before the match against Afghanistan. He will begin fielding sessions tomorrow," team manager Khaled Mahmud told The Daily Star over the phone.

Prior to leaving the country the lefthander had expressed his desire of trying to play at least one match in Brisbane in order to adjust to the conditions in the city.

Mahmud further said that the players

were working hard to cope with the heat.

"The training's been okay but the one thing that the players have had to work hard to battle is the heat. Players are getting tired after short stints. But come to think of it, it's a good test for them. They are getting the right feel," said Mahmud, adding that an optional training session has been arranged for the Tigers today.