The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Sounds incredible, but as the skipper of a test playing team Mohammad Ashraful was not aware of the fact that Bangladesh needed 163 runs to avoid follow on at the end of 4th day in the 2nd Test against New Zealand.

Replying to New Zealand's first innings total of 262/6 (dec.), Ashraful went to the crease as number three batsman despite sending a night watchman thinking that he would be able to avoid follow on scoring 63 runs in quick time. But rules suggest that Bangladesh had to score 163.

"I was not aware of this follow on rule before going to the crease to bat," said Ashraful in reply to a question at a post match briefing at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium (SBNS) after the 2nd Test of the BRAC Bank Series here Wednesday.

However, he thinks that they played well as a team throughout the series and created chance of winning in both the ODI and Tet Series.

He said: "We had a reasonably good series… had a very good chance of winning the ODI series. We also played well in the first Test. Overall, both the series were good for us."

Ashraful, a victim of lbw for duck in the first innings by Vettori, believed that this series will boost their confidence ahead of the ensuing South Africa tour.

"After the lone 20/20 match, we will play the ODI series and then the Test series (in South Africa). The confidence level of every player is now good and there is a chance of winning there if we can deliver our best, although the conditions will be difficult," he said.

Asked to comment on his counterpart Vettori, the Bangladesh skipper said: "He (Vettori) has a lot of variations and bowled well in the Test Series. He is different from our left-arm spinners with his flight variations."

Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons also believed that his side had a very good chance of winning both the ODI and Test series. "We were in a position to win both the series but we could not do that."

About Junaed Siddiqui, who was stumped on Tuesday from the bowling of Vettori for 4 after dancing down the wicket, Siddons said: "He still hasn't come out with a reasonable explanation. He played a stupid, unexpected shot."

Asked about his concern in the top order ahead of the South Africa tour, the Australian coach of Bangladesh said: "They (South Africa) have a pretty good attack and our top four (batsmen) need to play well. Our top four need to fire up. We got a tough series coming and it will be very tough winning over there."

But he thinks that it will take some time as Junaed Siddiqui is still young and Tamim Iqbal is only 21 years old. "We are working on them," Siddons said.