A 15-member A squad with as many as nine Test caps left Dhaka on Friday evening for London to play five three-dayers and four one-day matches against different English counties. Before leaving, coach Shaun Williams and captain Shahriar Nafees Ahmed expressed their optimism that the side was capable of creating an impression.

"We will try to build on the results of the national team especially their performance in the one-day games. But it will not be an easy task for my boys because we are going to face some strong opponents," said Williams at a press conference yesterday afternoon.

"This is a very exciting squad. There are some talented players who have the potential to dominate the game in future. Our main objective will be to perform at a certain level and gain valuable experience."

The Australian said it will be a challenge also for the A team players who had only returned from England a couple of weeks ago having been a part of the senior side.

"Most of these players are very young so fatigue is not unlikely although they have international experience. But they have to cope with the hectic international schedule and that is another off the field challenge for them."

Bangladesh fared poorly in the two Tests against England going down inside three days in both and William believed that the A team's true test of mettle therefore should come in the five three-day games.

"I have watched all the matches of the senior team. I think the conditions were not suitable for our players to perform as per their potential. But now the conditions are almost similar to what we have here. That's why I believe this side will fare better."

Williams felt the tour could be crucial for someone like Alok Kapali to regain his place in the national side.

"Kapali is a brilliant cricketer. He is still very young and I can tell you that within a couple of years he will be doing justice to his potential."

Williams was also expecting his bowlers to fire although the senior team's bowling had struggled throughout the England tour.

"I think Enamul (Haque Jr) will be playing a vital role as I expect the pitches to be dry at this time of the season. I am also looking forward to seeing how Rajib (Shahadat Hossain) responds to the demands after a bitter Test debut at Lord's. However, I do not have any doubts about his (Shahadat's) talent."

Captain Nafees said he was relishing the chance to lead the side.

"This will be my third visit to England so I have the opportunity to share my experience with my teammates. To me captaincy is not a burden. Rather it is just additional responsibility and I am looking forward to prove myself both as a captain and a batsman," said the 18-year old left-handed opener.

"This is a very balanced side and there are some out-of-favour cricketers who will be desperately looking to get back their national team places. On the other hand, younger members including myself will also be anxious to impress. So it will be a fantastic tour for us."

TEAM
Shahriar Nafees Ahmed (captain), Nafees Iqbal, Tushar Imran, Alok Kapali, Mehrab Hossain Jr, Nazimuddin, Hasanuzzaman, Mushfiqur Rahim (wicketkeeper), Mushfiqur Rahman, Alamgir Kabir, Talha Jubair, Shahadat Hossain, Syed Russel, Enamul Haque Jr and Abdur Razzak.