Sibanda, who scored a sparkling 122 in the three-day practice against a Bangladesh Cricket Board XI on Sunday, was struck on the back of the head when he tried to get out of the way of a short delivery from teammate Douglas Hondo.

Sibanda was immediately taken to a local clinic and an X-ray was taken. The tourists will hope that the report reveals nothing serious as Sibanda was one of the key batsmen in the inexperienced Zimbabwe team that takes on the Tigers in the first Test tomorrow.

Both teams passed long hours in the nets yesterday.

While Bangladesh spent four hours at the MA Aziz Stadium from 9 in the morning, the Zimbabwe had their nets at the Chittagong Divisional Stadium in Halishahar Sagorika for three hours from 10am before coming to the MA Aziz in the afternoon for another session. However captain Tatenda Taibu did not accompany the side in the post-lunch practice.

Tigers coach Dav Whatmore obviously had some plan going as he brought Mohammad Ashraful and opener Nafees Iqbal to the ground for extra practice an hour before the rest of team arrived in the morning.

Veteran spinner Rafique, who in all probability will share the wearing ball with fellow left-armer Enamul Haque (Jr) was spotted having frequent discussions with the 19-year-old during the four-hour session.

While talking to pressmen after practice Rafique said the familiarity factor associated with the Chittagong wicket could work in the home side's favour.

"We have played on this wicket only a week ago and it is well-known to us. So, even if it is a bit different in character, we should be more comfortable playing on it," said Bangladesh's highest wicket-taker in Tests.

"Besides, from a personal point of view, I don't mind playing on any wicket. I don't make any advance plans for matches. I play according to the demand of the situation."