Minnows Bangladesh arrive in Pakistan

Test cricket rookies Bangladesh arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday night one week ahead of their tough opening Asian Test Championship match against the hosts in Multan on August 29.

"Our team is going through a learning process and we have not come here worried about winning or losing. We just want to establish ourselves at the highest level," Bangladesh captain Naeem Ur Rehman said soon after arrival.

Since gaining Test status from the International Cricket Council (ICC) last year, Bangladesh have played and lost three Test matches against India and Zimbabwe.

The touring side is coached by former Australian player Trevor Chappell, while former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad has helped the side's batsmen improve their technique.

"The Test allows a wonderful opportunity for us to perform on the international stage. We might not have a very good track record, but our first attempt would be to try to win the match," Chappell said.

"We have come here with a positive frame of mind. We will not try to play for a draw because we have never had to do that," he added.

Chappell said the monsoon season in Bangladesh had affected team preparations but playing against a tough and experienced opponent like Pakistan would benefit his players in the long run.

Bangladesh squad:

Naeem Ur Rehman (Capt), Akram Khan, Aminul Islam, Javed Umer Belim, Muhammad Ashraful, Habibul Islam, Khalid Masood, Inamul Haq, Hasib ul Hossain, Al-Shaheryar, Manjur ul Islam, Bikesh Ranjandas, Mehrab Hossain and Muhammad Sharif.

Mail Cricket Editor