Mushfiqur <i>relishes toughest WC</i>

One of the more crucial tasks for Bangladesh during the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will be to overcome the bouncy and seaming conditions the wickets in the region are known for. Considering that the majority of Bangladesh's frontline pacers are currently recovering from injury or have been out of action for a long time, the signs aren't that positive.
Therefore it was not surprising to hear Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim, following the announcement of the pools, saying that the 2015 World Cup would be Bangladesh's 'toughest'.
“This will probably be the toughest World Cup for us. The conditions will be perfect for Australia, New Zealand and England and it will be totally different to playing those sides in the subcontinent. Sri Lanka also have more experience there. It is extremely important therefore how we prepare,” a BCB press release quoting Mushfiqur stated.
Head coach Shane Jurgensen echoed Mushfiqur's sentiments and told The Daily Star that improving the fitness levels of the players, especially the pacers, before the world cup was his top priority.
“I need my fast bowlers to be fit and healthy before the world cup. We have to raise our fitness levels to another level. It's really crucial for me that we have a consistent amount of players on the field and make sure we have the right combination,” said Shane, who was recently given the reigns of coaching the Tigers till the 2015 World Cup.
Bangladesh have the difficult task of playing against both hosts. They'll play Australia at the Woolloongabba in Brisbane and New Zealand at Hamilton.
Mushfiqur though is relishing the challenge. “I am particularly excited with the prospect of playing in Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide for the first time. We have had some notable performances in Hamilton during our last visit. The game against the hosts could be quite a treat,” he said. He also hoped to get ample support from the Bangladesh expatriate community in Australia and New Zealand.
Jurgensen on the other hand stated that the game against Australia would be one of the tougher asks for the Tigers. “Facing Australia at the Gabba will be difficult. The Gabba is a very fast sort of a pitch. The boys will need to get prepared for that pitch,” he said.
However, the 37-year-old, who had earlier coached New Zealand and played domestic cricket in Australia stated that his inside track on the teams can be an advantage. “I probably know these two teams very well, so in terms of strategy and tactics it's a positive thing. So I am really excited to face the hosts,” he said.
While the coach did state the worries of playing in foreign conditions, he expects some assistance for the spinners. “Some of the venues are not in our favour but the wickets on which we'll play some of our crucial matches have the potential to turn. Adelaide [vs England] turns sometimes and so does Hamilton. So there will be some help for our bowlers,” he said.