'Boys are happy to be out again'

Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo expressed his relieve after finally being out of the quarantine and being able to train under sunshine in New Zealand, 11 days after reaching the country for two Test matches.

The South African, in a video message posted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, said the team will start low-intensity training now for the first two days before picking up the intensity level for the two Test matches, with the first one scheduled to start on January 1.

The Bangladesh team were allowed to have their first training session today after all members of the squad returned negative results in their latest Covid tests on Monday.

"Great to be out. Eleven days in the rooms have been pretty challenging for the boys after a long year. So the boys are happy to be out again in bright sunshine and blue skies and start hitting some balls again," the South African said following the first training session at the Lincoln University Ground, the session featuring team drills along with short net sessions.

The coach said that the team will pick up their training intensity once they reach Tauranga for the first Test in Mount Manganui in a few days time.

"Low-intensity practice for the next day or two to make sure guys get accustomed to batting and bowling once again. By the time we get to Tauranga for six days' preparation for two Test matches, hopefully everyone is back up to speed and to prepare for the intensity required for a Test match," said Domingo.