Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal has been ruled out of the Test series against New Zealand in January. The opening batter suffered a thumb injury while playing in the Everest Premier League in Nepal and it is learned that he needs one more month’s rest to recover.

According to Cricbuzz, Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) chief physician Debashish Chowdhury confirmed the same and revealed that he’s likely to miss the New Zealand tour as he’ll be out of cricket for at least three weeks. 

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“He met the physical, and they have advised him to take a one-month rest though he won’t require any surgery. In that case, he’s missing the New Zealand tour. He received a blow on his left thumb and got a small fracture there. Now he will be out of cricket for at least three weeks,” Debashish Chowdhury was quoted as saying to Cricbuzz.

If the reports are to be believed, it will be a major blow for New Zealand as Tamim Iqbal's experience would have given them a huge advantage. Notably, the southpaw opted out of the T20 World Cup 2021 and was also ruled of the upcoming Test series against Pakistan due to his thumb injury. 

Bangladesh will play two Test matches against New Zealand in January. The first match will be played at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui from 1st January, followed by the second match at Hagley Oval in Christchurch from 9th January. 

The Test series will also be the part of ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle. 

(Reuters inputs)