The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Ahead of the 2nd test against New Zealand, Bangladesh skipper Mohammad Ashraful said Friday that they are only thinking about themselves, not on any specific opponent player.

"We are now thinking about ourselves. Definitely (Daniel) Vettori is a key player. We take him only as a bowler when we bat and take him as a batsman when we bowl," he said at a press conference at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium (SBNS).

But statistics suggest that the tall left-arm Kiwis spinner has been the most impressive against Bangladesh in the tests as he captured highest 41 wickets in the last seven tests between the two countries.

Vettori, with his all round performance in the 1st test (9 wickets and 131 runs), enabled the touring side to clinch a hard fought three-wicket victory over the Tigers in Chittagong.

However, Ashraful thinks that the absence of all rounder Jacob Oram will be a plus point for Bangladesh. He said, "Oram is good at both batting and bowling… he is well known for his tight bowling. If he doesn't play, it will be a plus point for us."

Asked if he was satisfied about their batting performance in the 1st test, Ashraful said, "We did well in the 1st innings but it could have been a lot better. We will have to try to play long innings and also convert the 70/80's to 100's."

Replying to a query, he said that all of his teammates are eager to play well and hope to bat in eight sessions during the 2nd test.

Asked about the top order where Bangladesh failed to give a good start, the ace batsman said, "Our top four batsmen didn't bat well (in 1st test). I hope, they play well in the 2nd test and if they can make a good start, it will be an advantage."