Mahmud's men were scheduled to start the nets at the BNS from October 7. But rain for the last few days not only hampered the fitness training but also decimated the chances of net practice at the venue on time.

Another spell of rain, which is always on the cards, means the national team would have to travel to BKSP in Savar for indoor training.

"I'm afraid that the practice pitches will not be ready by October 7 as rain is still on. That is not good for the preparation," said Mahmud.

The 33-year-old all-rounder was clearly unhappy at the rainy prospect saying that the indoor pitches at the BKSP would not serve the real purpose before the first Test starts on October 21.

"You can knock the ball around at the BKSP indoors but you can not practice or have real nets there. The bowlers don't have enough space for a full run-up. The pitches are also not very good there," said the Bangladesh skipper.

Mahmud, however, had little to complain about the manner in which the fitness programme had gone since the camp with 20 probables started last Wednesday.

"The fitness level of the team is the best we ever had. I'm saying that from the experience of my 15-year playing career. What we need now is at least 10 to 12 uninterrupted sessions at the nets," said Mahmud.

Michael Vaughan's England will fly to Bangladesh on October 8 to play two Tests and three one-day internationals in Dhaka and Chittagong.

But despite the rain worry Mahmud was upbeat on a better home series after inspiring performances in Pakistan last month.

"Our home record has so far been uninspiring. But I can assure you that we will be a more competitive host this time. The Pakistan tour made us believe that we are capable of pushing our opponents into tight corners," said Mahmud.

He however warned against getting carried away that Bangladesh were capable of beating England at their own den.

"I are aware that some over enthusiasts are thinking that we might beat England. But we are not thinking in that line. Once again our target is to play better cricket than what we played in Australia and Pakistan. And if we can do that, the results will come," Mahmud thought.

When asked what kind of wicket he would prefer against England Mahmud said that he would not mind if the curator prepared grassy pitches than a conventional slow and turning one.

"It's better to have grassy pitches because that is more sporting. Both the bowlers and batsmen can benefit from the wicket. Moreover, a turning wicket might backfire as it happened during the home series against South Africa last April," Mahmud said.