'Team's core very strong'

Bangladesh national cricket coach Richard Pybus was not worried about ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan's injury status when he spoke during the pre-world cup training camp, which kicked off at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday.
"Shakib is happy with his progress. The report states that the condition isn't that serious," said Pybus of the all-rounder who is sitting out the ongoing Sri Lanka Premier League because of a knee injury.
The camp, which aims to prepare the 19-man squad for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, got off to a rainy start yesterday as the cricketers were compelled to train at the Mirpur Indoor Stadium.
Commenting on the team's current form, the national coach said, "I think the core of our team is very strong. The squad is pretty settled and I don't foresee any major changes."
The coach claims that the recent tours of Ireland and Holland have given the players good exposure and provided them with a chance to experience different conditions.
"I was delighted to have won three games on the trot (against Ireland). We didn't play as well as we should have in Holland though. It was a very slow and low wicket…not something that international players would play on often. But it was important to get that experience and get grounded again in order to get our focus," he said.
Despite the defeats against Holland and Scotland, Pybus was impressed by the team's determination to do well. "When you tour countries like Ireland or Holland you can't expect to get first class facilities. The wickets were damp as well. But the guys worked with whatever they had. They showed a generous attitude. "
While Pybus believed that the team has improved in the twenty-over format, he however asserted the importance of improving in all three versions of the game. The coach's comment reflects upon the lack of Test matches that Bangladesh has played this year. Come November, the Tigers have an opportunity to make amends when they play the West Indies at home.
He also praised Mashrafe Bin Mortaza for his performance in Europe. "Mashrafe is a quality cricketer. He was struggling a bit initially but gradually got into his rhythm and provided a wonderful show. He showed the kind of attitude that is expected of him," said Pybus.
He further stated that the team would be preparing for more turn in order to cope with the pitches in Sri Lanka.