Bangladesh to focus on improvement, says Whatmore

Although most of the Test world is preparing for slaughter when Australia and Bangladesh meet in two Tests starting next week, Bangladesh's coach Dav Whatmore is optimistic, saying that the series was the start of "something wonderful".

As Bangladesh prepare for their last tour match - against a Northern Territory Chief Minister's XI in Darwin - before the first Test, Whatmore said that Bangladesh would use this series to better themselves rather than seek an impressive final outcome.

"It's no secret that performances with the team haven't been as good as what anybody would like. We are here to make sure that we get on the right track and play the sort of cricket that world cricket demands Bangladesh play," he said. "We see this series as hard, as it's going to be against a team ranked number one ... the commencement of something really wonderful for our cricket and the region in the subcontinent area and world cricket as well."

Michael Clarke, Cthe captain of the Northern Territory XI, said that he had "seen a little bit of Bangladesh" but could not really launch into preparation based on his knowledge. "I think all the boys have prepared as well as they possibly can. I just hope they get out there and give their best."