Aminul Islam tries his luck in Australia

The former Bangladesh captain Aminul Islam is trying his luck in Australia, with a view to regaining his Test spot. Islam scored a memorable 145 in Bangladesh's first Test, against India in November 2000, but has been out of the national side since December 2002.

Islam, 36, has travelled to Melbourne to play for the Ivanhoe club. He told the Melbourne Age newspaper: "I haven't retired yet. So I want another chance to play for Bangladesh again and this is the best place to improve my game and improve my form."

Dav Whatmore, the former Australian Test batsman who is now Bangladesh's coach, encouraged the move. "I spoke to our coach before I came," said Islam, "and he said `If you do well in Australia, you might have a chance'."

Islam's Aussie adventure didn't start too well, as he was out for 13 in his first match. But Paul Kennedy, Ivanhoe's president, put that down to a combination of jet-lag and unfamiliarity with Australian pitches.