Pakistan still strong sans Shoaib and Saqlain

Bangladesh coach and former Australian batsman Trevor Chappell Sunday conceded that there was relief in his camp after learning that Shoaib Akhtar and Saqlain Mushtaq will miss the Asian Test Championship match starting Wednesday.

But the youngest of the Chappell brothers, who was ordered by older sibling Greg to bowl an under-arm delivery against New Zealand in one of the one-day finals in 1980-81, minced no words in saying that Pakistan still had a very formidable bowling lineup.

The Australian, talking to newsmen at the UBL Sports Complex, said in the absence of Shoaib and Saqlain, his batsmen would play more freely and comfortably.

Chappell, whose brothers Ian and Greg led Australia, said Shoaib's absence was crucial as his batsmen had not faced an express bowler like him. He said although his batsmen faced 30-40 overs against offspinner Shoaib Malik, Saqlain was a different class altogether.

"I just think not having to play Akhtar or Saqlain would make it a bit easier for our batsmen," he opined.

Chappell was satisfied with his team's tour opener but warned against keeping high hopes in the Tests against Pakistan and Sri Lanka starting in Colombo from Sept 6.

"We are an inexperienced and young side still in its teething days. But yes, I am happy with the way the boys played in this match although I admit that I expected the wicket to have a bit more grass and bounce but it turned out to be like a typical Dhaka strip."

Chappell said his batsmen did better than the first innings while the bowlers bowled to a tight line and length. "We don't have bowlers who can run through the innings. But they can succeed by frustrating the batsmen and buying their wickets by drying the flow of runs." However, the coach said he would have liked for a couple of more tune-up matches before playing Pakistan and then the Sri Lankans.

Chappell said agreed with the proposal that there should be more cricket between Kenya, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. He said he had suggested to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to create more opportunities for its players to play first-class cricket in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

"I am delighted that BCB has decided to send its 'A' team for a 10- week Busta Cup in the West Indies early next year. It should be an invaluable experience for the boys," Chappell said.