Tamim still has 'lots of discomfort' in his back

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal, who is making a return to competitive cricket in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand, admitted to persisting discomfort in his back. His back concerns had previously led to his exclusion from the Asia Cup and even prompted him to step down from the role of captaincy.

After seeking treatment in England, which involved multiple injections to address a damaged disc between the L4 and L5 vertebrae, Tamim was hopeful about his return to the field. The treatment typically enables players to compete without hindrance for several months. Despite his optimistic recovery, the pain lingers.

"It felt good to be on the field again," Tamim said after the second ODI against NZ. "It was a nice feeling to field for 50 overs and bat for 20 overs but there's still lots of discomfort in my back. I'm working with our physio on it but the reality is, there's still pain.

"To be honest, I was nervous. Saying it was just another match wouldn't be accurate, especially considering the events of the past few months. When I went to bat, I felt the nerves, but they went away after the opening over.

"Whether I was batting or fielding, I needed to spend time on the field to understand how my body was reacting. There were difficulties, and there still are. I'm contemplating my future course of action. When playing international cricket, I have to give my best, and I strive to do so. It's not as simple as walking onto the field and playing, especially against a reputed bowling attack. I tried to give my all," Tamim added, mentioning that the medical team will soon decide on managing his condition.

"The medical team will determine how best to handle my situation. Since this can't be completely resolved, we'll have to focus on alleviating it. I hope a suitable plan will be devised," he stated.

"From a confidence point of viw, I'm feeling good. I am hoping to be less nervous in the next game. I've been discussing my physical condition with the medical team," he said.

The medical team is now evaluating the best way to manage his condition as they approach the World Cup, starting October 5. Tamim's fitness and the status of his back injury could have significant implications for Bangladesh's campaign in the upcoming World Cup.

Tamim added that he was impressed with the way Mahmudullah, who was also making a comeback to international cricket after a while, batted in the middle making 49 runs.

"He (Mahmudullah) was brilliant, his intent was good and never looked that he is coming after a gap of six to seven months. He looked good in the field too, whenever the ball went to him he tried to give his best."

Tamim also spoke about Bangladesh's chances at the World Cup, begging to differ with the comments made by head coach Chandika Hathurusingha, who's spoken to several media outlets about how people should wake up if they are dreaming that Bangladesh would win the World Cup.

"I am quite surprised seeing a few statements. I always feel we should have the dream to win the World Cup because if you don't have the dream how can you achieve it? In the Under-19 World Cup, we had never gone past the quarter-final but they had the belief and went on to become champions. I

"If you don't have the dream to win the World Cup, there is no point playing it. And this is our seventh World Cup; if we don't have dream now when we will have that? Let me clear that this is not a guarantee (that we will win World Cup) but we must have the dream."