Bangladesh’s bid to level the series in the second Test against the West Indies received a welcome boost when dashing opener Tamim Iqbal was declared fit.

The 23-year-old hurt a tendon in his left elbow during Bangladesh’s 77-run defeat in the first Test in Dhaka, but passed a fitness test ahead of the series finale starting in Khulna on Wednesday.

Captain Mushfiqur Rahim stressed that Iqbal, who has four Test centuries to his name, would be an important player for the hosts.

“Iqbal batted with that injury in the second innings and after a two day break he is feeling good,” Rahim told reporters on Tuesday.

“I think we all have an important game. It’s not just Tamim.”

The left-handed opener hit a brisk 72 to bolster Bangladesh to an imposing 556 in reply to the West Indian total of 4(dec)-527 but managed only five in the second innings when Bangladesh were bowled out for 167, chasing 245 to win.

As a precaution, Bangladesh had called up rookie batsman Anamul Haque, who impressed during the recent ICC Junior World Cup held in Australia.

Nazimuddin may also replace opener Junaid Siddique who failed in the first Test.

Rahim said Bangladesh fought well in the first Test, but alluded to the difference in the two sides’ bowling attacks.

“I won’t say the gap (between the two teams) is too much or too little. Obviously, their attack is more balanced than us,” Rahim said.

West Indian captain Darren Sammy believed Iqbal’s injury was concerning for Bangladesh.

Experienced batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul has fully recovered after falling ill during the second innings in which he batted at number eleven.