SPORTS REPORTER

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal is hopeful that he will be able to recover from his back injury and feature from the start in the upcoming three-match ODI series at home against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on September 21.

The opener had already begun his rehabilitation since returning from the UK last month. The left-hander was seen batting in the nets with low intensity in the past few days.

“I was able to tick all the boxes as prescribed during the rehabilitation programme. I will have 10 more days and I am planning to start training in full intensity [from Sunday],” said Tamim while attending a commercial endorsement in Dhaka yesterday.

“So far, there has been no setback but still there are things that need to be done. However, I didn’t feel any pain so far. I think the next week will be crucial as I am planning to start training with full intensity. I am very hopeful and positive to play from the start of the New Zealand series,” he added.

Tamim backed his teammates to do well in the coming days but was reluctant to comment on skipper Shakib Al Hasan and the team management’s plan for the ongoing Asia Cup.