The inspirational paceman, also the Bangladesh vice-captain now, joined the camp yesterday after taking part in the Afro-Asia Cup in India.

Mashrafe had injury worries before the tournament and many were skeptic about the trip but his return home without any damage seems to be a blessing because when fully fit, he means something special to the whole team.

With another Sri Lanka tour around the corner, it is hard to forget that the 23-year-old's last visit to the island two years back ended in a nightmare as he had to return home due to a back pain after just bowling one over in a limited-overs practice match at Moratuwa.

"It's always nice for me to feel hundred per cent fit. I am really looking forward to this tour after a frustrating visit two years back," responded the 'Narail Express', who has enjoyed almost injury-free times for the last one and half years.

Mashrafe had a little success in the inter-continental cricket tournament but everybody knows how relaxed cricket Asia and Africa played although all the matches had full one-day international status.

"It was a different feeling to play along side players from different countries. I enjoyed everything there, especially the presence of Mohammad Yousuf (Pakistani batsman) was fantastic. Yousuf made fun with everything like splitting Dilhara's (Fernando) name with humour. I always love the easy-going people," informed Mashrafe, who, however, was a bit frustrated for being used as a change bowler.

The fun part over, all the Tigers are focused on a difficult task in Sri Lanka but Mashrafe was not ready to be extra-cautious about the 40-day tour where they play three Tests and as many one-day matches.

"We lost all the matches in Sri Lanka very badly but I don't want to focus on the previous record. True, it is a tough tour but it is not wise to always think it beforehand. We have to play our natural game. I have no special plan, rather it is just another series for me," said a confident Mashrafe.

"My personal expectation is to take the Test matches to five days. We have the ability to do anything in the one-day game but we are still far behind to think about results in Test cricket," he said adding that 'bowlers can win a Test but the batsmen have to save the match'.

He also believes that the Tigers have improved a lot since their last visit to Sri Lanka.

"But we have to prove it by our performance," he observed.

The Narail quick, however, was least bothered with his new role as deputy to Mohammed Ashraful.

"I believe that only performance is accountable in the end. I have full faith on Ashraful but I am ready to support him if needed," he assured.

Mohammad Rafique also returned home with Mashrafe on Monday but the ace left-arm spinner rested for a day.