Bangladesh 'mentally and physically ready'

Test rookies Bangladesh are mentally and physically ready for the upcoming International Cricket Conference knock-out tournament in Kenya, skipper Naimur Rahman said Thursday.

"We have all put in our best during the past weeks in practice; we really worked very hard," he said.

The 26-year-old all-rounder added: "We have really given all of ourselves to prepare for the tournament and all of us are now prepared both mentally and physically."

A smiling Rahman, who took over the captainship from Aminul Islam, told reporters, "I am very happy, for as the ICC tournament approaches our overall conditions are also improving."

He said the October 3-15 tournament, being held in Nairobi, was important for Bangladesh's cricket development, especially since it would be the country's first international match after attaining Test status earlier this year.

The tournament will also pitch the newcomers in their first match against England, who are flush from their series victory over the West Indies.

Asked what result he expected from the match against England, he said it would be improper to forecast although "we will definitely play to win."

Bangladesh's chances depend on his predecessor Aminul Islam and Akram Khan - - who captained the team in winning the 1997 ICC Trophy in Kuala Lumpur - - on making runs, Rahman said.

However, he admitted that the team's bowling performance still needed improvements.

Bangladesh Cricket Board officials said Islam was replaced by Rahman as skipper because they wanted the team to be in the hands of a youngster and allow the former captain to focus his energies on his batting.

"The whole Africa tour is a big challenge for me as the selectors gave weight to my choice and I am hoping for the best," Islam said.

Announcing the 14-man squad on Tuesday, BCB vice-president Tanvir Haider said opening batsman Mehrab Hossain, who sustained a knee injury several months ago, was not included as he was not "100 percent fit".

"We have eight top order batsmen in the team and the opening batsmen will be picked amongst them," he said.

He added that "fitness was the priority along with other needs as this will be the first international match for Bangladesh after gaining Test status."

After the ICC tournament, Bangladesh will play a four-day match beginning October 12 against South Africa's Griqualand West, as well as a day-nighter and two one-dayers with the South African 'A' team between October 18 and 22.

Mail Cricket Editor