Star Bangladeshi opener Tamim Iqbal has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa with an injured thigh. He scored 39 and 0 respectively in the first Test, where his team faced a humiliating defeat by 333 runs.

Iqbal was having some discomfort while running between the wickets during Bangladesh’ only warm-up match against CSA Invitation XI and he had to leave the field during the fifth over. Team management has decided to give him some rest before three-match ODI series, commencing from October 15. Soumya Sarkar is in line to replace him in the playing XI in Bloemfontein.

Bangladesh is already missing the services of top all-rounder Shakil Al Hasan and now Tamim’s injury increased woes for the visitors. Shakib wrote a letter to the board, stating he needs a break from Test cricket, which Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) eventually accepted. Thus, the absence of these two players can hurt their team in the final Test of the series.

South Africa, already 1-0 up in the series, will look to seal the series with another comprehensive win. Both teams will take the field for the second Test from October 6.