DHAKA, June 17: Bangladesh’s new coach Dav Whatmore on Tuesday said he was hoping for an improved performance by his struggling team on a tough upcoming tour of Australia.

“Why should we be scared of a full Australian team playing against us,” he told reporters on Monday after a training session here. “I am happy for the decision taken by Australia ... it will be a good test for us.”

Whatmore was responding to Australian coach John Buchanan’s comment that they would go all out against Bangladesh in the Test and one-day series.

Whatmore, a former Australian Test player, said his team was making “slow but steady progress” since he started to train them after taking charge this month.

“I am happy with the whole process,” he said.

The Bangladesh team leaves for its maiden Australian tour next Sunday for a two-match Test series and three one-dayers.

Bangladesh have lost 18 of 19 Tests since being admitted to the international fold in 2000, their only draw coming in a rain-hit tie against Zimbabwe two seasons ago.

They have also not won a single one-dayer since upsetting Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup in England.—AFP