Batsmen star on first day of practice game

Bangladesh's batsmen had a fruitful outing in the first day of the two-day intra-squad practice game as a total of four fifties were struck at the Chilaw Marians Cricket Club ground in Katunayake yesterday.

Team Red, led by Tamim Iqbal, posted 314 for 6 at stumps and saw five of their batters retire to allow others to bat.

At tea, Team Red were on 204 without loss. Tamim retired after scoring 63 and Saif Hasan added 52 runs before retiring.

Mushfiqur Rahim then spent time in the middle and top-scored with 66 while Najmul Hossain Shanto added 52 and Nurul Hasan scored 48. Team Green off-spinner Shuvagata Hom picked up the only wicket, dismissing Taijul Islam.

Chief selector Minhajul Abedin believed that the practice game would help players adapt to the pitch and conditions in Sri Lanka before the Test series.

"The bowlers had had a tough time here today [Saturday]. The wicket and conditions, there is good bounce as the track is a bit flat. Conditions might be similar in Test matches. It will be really important for our bowlers to concentrate in such scorching temperatures and bowl in the right areas," Minhajul said.

Following a three-day quarantine in their rooms after landing in Sri Lanka, the 21-member Bangladesh squad got two days of practice in the nets before playing the ongoing practice match.

Selectors are expected to announce the final squad after the practice game before the first of the two match test series scheduled to start on April 21 in Pallekele.