The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

After a disappointing tour in New Zealand, Bangladesh cricket team returned home Friday to take preparations for their next engagement against South Africa at home.

All members of the squad returned in the afternoon except coach Jamie Siddons who went to his native Australia directly from New Zealand. Siddons is expected to arrive here on January 30 to take charge of the boys for the home series against the Proteas in February.

Talking to the reporters at the Zia International airport, skipper Mohammad Ashraful said though their performance was bad in the tour, they have gained some positive experiences.

He said: “It’s true we couldn’t do well, but I think we’ll be able to deliver better result in the upcoming home series against South Africa.”

Speaking highly of his top order batsmen, Ashraful said they really batted well, especially the way they left the balls in the test matches. “I hope, they will do the same in the home series.”

Pace spearhead Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, also the vice-captain of the team, admitted that they have not done well during the tour except winning the 20/20 match before starting the one-day series.

Bangladesh started their ODI series with a 6-wicket defeat against the Black Caps in the 1st ODI. Then in the 2nd ODI Bangladesh had to concede a huge 102-run defeat.

The 3rd ODI of the tour will remain as a nightmare as Bangladesh team were outplayed by the hosts by 10 wickets in just six overs as opener McCullum’s 28-ball 80 runs powered New Zealand to reach the winning 95 runs for no loss.

In the two-match test series, the Bengal Tigers were also outplayed by nine wickets in the first test and crushed by an innings and 137 runs in the 2nd test against the hosts.