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| May 27, 2005 | Friday | Rabi-us-Sani 18, 1426 |
‘It can’t get worse than this’
LONDON, May 26: Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore told his players to learn from their horror start against England in the first Test at Lord’s on Thursday rather than get depressed.
“It probably couldn’t get much worse, being bowled out for 108 on day one of a Test series,” he told a news conference after his side’s first appearance at the historic venue.
“Some teams are inspired by Lord’s, perhaps we were overawed. The conditions were totally different from what we experience in Bangladesh, that didn’t help.
“The ball swung around but it wasn’t a 108 wicket. We have to guard against our confidence being knocked about too much. It’s no use getting emotional, there a reasons things happen, you have to try and put them right.
“I’m loathe to take the big stick out. We need to continue to learn.”
England ended the day on 188 for one and in total command at the start of the two-Test series.
Andrew Strauss, who made 69 out of an opening stand of 148 with Marcus Trescothick, added: “It’s too early to analyse Bangladesh. A lot of teams come unstuck in the conditions at Lord’s. I think they came unstuck against the swinging ball.”
Asked if Bangladesh were strong enough to test England before the Australians arrive for the Ashes series starting in July, he added: “We have to regard it as a serious challenge. If we do, it will be good preparation for the Ashes.”
Bangladesh have won one of their previous 36 Tests, against Zimbabwe in January.—Reuters
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