‘Bangladesh dressing room environment is very good at the moment’

Bangladesh wicket-keeper Nurul Hasan said that everyone in the Tigers' outfit has been coping well with the bio-bubbles and have returned rejuvenated after a short break.

The Tigers took part in a practice session today as they gear up for the five-match T20I against visiting New Zealand, slated to begin September 1. Living in a bio-bubble has been difficult for cricketers around the world and Bangladesh team players' experience during the last two series has been no different. The players had been away from their families but there was a short break where the cricketers enjoyed time out with their close ones before they entered the bio-secure bubble for the New Zealand series on August 24.

"Truth be told, living in a bio-bubble is tough but in this current situation we should be able to cope with it and I think everyone is doing well in that regard. We were in a bio-bubble during the last two series and everyone has returned refreshed and with confidence for today's practice," Sohan told the media in a video message.

"We're glad that we can still play cricket in this situation and hoping that we would be coping better with time," he added.

Nurul had been waiting in the wings to get into the national team for a long time and got the opportunity to play in Zimbabwe due to Mushfiqur Rahim's absence. Having also been part of the side that thumped Australia 4-1 in the T20I series at home, Nurul said that playing is the way forward for the Tigers.

"New Zealand are a good team and if we can play as a team, there will be the possibility of us doing well."

According to Nurul, the team have grinded out how to deal with the mental pressure of facing new challenges on the field with the added stress of bubble life by helping each other. Despite there being an environment of competitiveness due to good performances in the last two series from several players, the team's environment was healthy.

"Bangladesh dressing room environment is very good at the moment. We're 15 to 20 people here but everyone wants the 11 playing in the field to do well. They help each other out which is very important to doing well as a team," he concluded.