Bangladesh prepared for Asian Test Final (11 March 1999)

11 March 1999

Bangladesh prepared for Asian Test Final

Zahid Newaz in Dhaka

The Bangabandhu National Stadium in Bangladesh capital of Dhaka is ready to host the final of first Asian Test Championship beginning on Friday between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

"All are set for the final," said Bangladesh Cricket Board President Saber Hossain Chowdhury who visited the stadium Wednesday to see the final touch of the preparation work. Former Sri Lankan captain and Tournament Director, Duleep Mendis, also visited the stadium along with BCB General Secretary Syed Ashraful Haq in the morning.

A mural of country's independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, popularly known as Bangabandhu (the friend of people), set up under the tower, is the new addition to decorate the spacious stadium, which has already earned fame internationally as a great venue of cricket.

BCB officials said tickets are already on sale and response by the expected spectators is satisfactory. School boys will get tickets at a reduced price as the BCB is endeavouring to introduce test cricket to the younger generation.

Dhaka has so far witnessed seven test matches. The last match was held in 1969 when it was a part of the then Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Pakistan team who arrived in the capital Tuesday, practised for more than three hours at the Bangabandhu National Stadium Wednesday. Pakistan team arrived at the stadium at 10:25 am and left at 2pm. Led by great fast bowler Wasim Akram, the Pakistani team passed mose of their time in net practice.

The other finalist Sri Lanka, led by renowned middle order batsman Aravinda de Silva, arrived Wednesday morning and they will practise at the same venue Thursday. The 17-member Sri Lankan team comprising 14 cricketers and three officials arrived Dhaka in two groups to play the final of the first-ever Asian Test Championship.

Celebrated middle order batsman Aravinda De Silva will be leading the Sri Lankans in the test final in absence of regular captain Arjuna Ranatunga who is nursing a hamstring injury. Hashan Tillekeratne, who led the Lankans in their clash with Pakistan in Lahore, was made Aravinda's deputy.

At a press briefing at Sonargaon Hotel, Sri Lankan team manager Ranjit Fernando said: "We reached the final playing our natural game and we will try our best according to our ability in the final." About their opponent, he said: "Pakistan is a very competitive side, but we will try to prove our worth."

Replying to a question on the allegation in a section of media that Sri Lanka-Pakistan match in Lahore was not fair, Fernando said: "Our young side had done everything to get into the final. We are not worried about it (the allegation)."

About bonus points in the test championship, he said the concept of bonus points is very good. However, some modifications may be made in future, if necessary.

Responding to another query about the current "poor" form of the Sri Lankan team after last year's England tour, Fernando said: "We are trying to overcome our problems. I hope, we'll do better in the World Cup Cricket in England."

Sri Lankan coach Roy Dias, however, added that participation in the ongoing Asian Test Championship "does hamper our preparation" for the World Cup.

Sri Lankan team: Aravinda De Silva (captain), Hashan Tillekeratne (vc), Russel Arnold, Avishka Gunawardane, Mahela Jayawardena, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Marvan Atapattu, Chaminda Vaas, Pramodaya Wickremasinghe, Upal Chandana, Ruchira Perera, Sajeewa De Silva, Ruwan Kalpage and Chandika Hathurasinghe.

Officials: Manager - Edward Ranjit Fernando, Coach - Roy Dias and Physio - Alex Kountouri.

Source :: CricInfo365