The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh skipper Mohammad Ashraful hopes to begin the next year with a good performance in the next Test against Sri Lanka although he did not have a good time in 2008.

"The year 2008 was not so good for me, especially in Test Cricket. I'll hope for something good in the New Year ahead. There was a good ending for me this year and I hope to begin with a good performance in the next test against Sri Lanka," he said at a post-match briefing Wednesday after the 1st test at the SBNS.

Ashraful scored 101 runs off 191 balls with 16 fours as Bangladesh made 413/10 in their 2nd innings while chasing a huge target of 521 set by Sri Lanka.

About his team's performance, the Bangladesh skipper said: "I would say the overall performance of the team was good, but it could have been better.

"Our bowlers really bowled well in the 1st innings, they (Sri Lanka) might not have piled up such score if a couple of umpire's decisions went in favour of us. Keeping these aside, I would say we played well throughout the match."

Asked if he would continue to bat in future like he did in the 2nd innings, he said: "I'm also a bit confused about this. I'm facing this problem for the last eight years. I don't understand which way I should bat. I'll now try to be positive and play as the situation demands."

Ashraful, who scored four of his five centuries against Sri Lanka, told a questioner that he played Muralitharan in the match on front foot as he was picking his wrong ones very well.

Replying to another question, he said there might have been a chance for them in the match. "Win was possible as it was Test cricket. The result of the match would be different if Shakib and I could bat through the 1st session. It was bad luck for me to get out, but Mushfiq along with Shakib also put up a splendid stand of 111."

Shakib Al Hasan, who was rewarded with the man of the match award for his all round performance, said that conceding defeat and also missing the century was a double dissatisfaction for him.

Shakib fell just four runs short of century before he was bowled by pacer Dammika Prasad for 96 off 212 balls that featured seven fours.

About playing Muralitharan in the SBNS wicket, the boy from Magura said: "Yes, the wicket assisted a bit. I think, the more we will face Murali, the more we will feel relief. After the 1st innings, it seemed to me if we could pay attention to Murali, he will not be able to pick wickets (so easily) and this worked."

Asked what he enjoyed most -- batting or bowling, the consistent performer for Bangladesh said he very much enjoys cricket as a whole.