August 21, 2003	Thursday	Jumadi-us-Sani 22, 1424

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KARACHI, Aug 20: Pakistan captain Rashid Latif on Wednesday conceded that Bangladesh were beginning to offer the kind of resistance that the Test minnows had been lacking in the past.

Rashid, who was rushed to hospital for precautionary X-rays after an Umar Gul delivery struck him on the ring finger of his right hand in the final session, predicted a tough series.

“The way Bangladesh batsmen applied themselves today was quite admirable. They are definitely improving as a team,” the wicket-keeper remarked, adding that the visitors have the capability of competing with Pakistan on an even keel.

“Look at the way they approached the situation in conditions that should have suited us,” he said.

Rashid offered no excuse when asked to explain his team’s poor display especially after he invited Bangladesh to bat first. “Frankly, I have no excuse to make, but I must say that since we were playing Test cricket after a lengthy period we were out of sorts. Most of the boys had been involved in one-dayers after the World Cup and needed time to adjust according to the situation.”

Rashid hoped to take the field on Thursday after the injury scare. “Thankfully, it was not serious.

There’s a bit of swelling, but hopefully that will subside by tomorrow.”