Tamim signs for Nottinghamshire
Tamim Iqbal, the Bangladesh batsman, will get his first taste of county cricket after signing for Nottinghamshire as a short-term replacement for David Hussey.
Hussey has to return to Australia to prepare for the ODI series against Sri Lanka and will play his final Friends Life t20 game for Nottinghamshire against Lancashire on June 26. Tamim will then play six FLt20 fixtures, provided he gets clearance from the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
“David Hussey has been excellent for us and he still has a lot to offer to the Australian team,” said Nottinghamshire coach Mick Newell. “His contract with us was always subject to international commitments and I’m pleased that we have been able to secure a quality replacement.”
Tamim, 22, has a Test average of 40.13 and scored five fifties in six innings against England including centuries at Lord’s and Old Trafford last summer.
“Finding quality overseas players at short notice is always a challenge but we are very pleased to have agreed a deal with a player of Tamim’s quality,” said Newell. “He’s an exciting player who has established himself on the international scene at a young age and he is already assured of a long Test career.”
Tamim has made no secret of his desire to play cricket in England and was understandably delighted to be offered the chance. “It has been a dream come true in every sense as I have longed to play county cricket ever since I became a professional cricketer,” he said.
“I have enjoyed every moment whenever I have been in the UK in the past and it is a privilege to be part of such a great club like Nottinghamshire, which has an awe-inspiring tradition and character.
“I am very excited to take the field and perform and help with Notts’ mission of winning the Friends Life t20. As the second Bangladeshi in county cricket, it is also an honour for me and I hope to live up to the expectations of the club and the fans.”
Meanwhile, Adam Voges has been awarded the FLt20 captaincy and will remain with Nottinghamshire at least until the end of the group stage of the competition.
Link requested by Anim Rahman | original source at http://www.espncricinfo.com/county-cricket-2011/content/story/519255.html
