Siddons back to business

Coach Jamie Siddons speaks to his ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hassan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur as the training resumed after the Eid vacation yesterday.Photo: STAR

Coach Jamie Siddons returned to business on Friday relishing a challenge in next year's tri-nation tourney at home involving two powerhouses India and Sri Lanka.
The Australian flew to his country from Harare after his charges historic triumph in West Indies followed by 4-1 series victory against Zimbabwe in July-August and during his stay the Bangladesh coach had a successful skin cancer operation.
"It has gone and I am now fine" said a smiling Siddons when asked about the condition of his skin cancer during the practice session at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
Siddons also returned with another good news as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to extend his job till the 2011 World Cup.
"Yes, I am happy as the board agreed in principle to extend my job. Now I will talk with the board about terms and conditions," he said.
A total of 12 cricketers resumed practice yesterday after Eid vacations to prepare for the upcoming home series against Zimbabwe, who will arrive in Dhaka on October 21 to play a five-match one-day series against the Tigers.
Siddons however believes that the tri-nation one-day series in January next would be the big challenge for his side and they can take the opportunity to do the fine- tuning during the five-match series against Zimbabwe before the tough challenge ahead.
"The confidence level is pretty good after the last couple of good series but the hard challenge is coming in the tri-series," he said.
Bangladesh made history when they whitewashed West Indies both in the two-match Test and three-match one-day series in July.
The training has been concentrating on regaining the fitness level of the players in the hot and humid conditions after a month-long break from action.
Vice-captain Shakib Al Hasan, who is nursing his groin injury, joined the camp after returning from Adelaide but injured captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza was absent.