Bangladesh may have lost both the one-day and Test series against Zimbabwe tn their maiden overseas tour, but the exposure and experience they gained will definitely benefit their cricket in the long-term.

This was the view expressed during a briefing organised by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Friday.

Captain Naimur Rahman, manager Mahbubul Anam. Australian coach Trevor Chappell entertained questions from the local press. Syed Ashraful Huq, director-elect BCB, was also present on the occasion.

Trevor Chappell, who took over the national team two weeks before the tour, said that as far as results were concerned his team's achievements were zero.

“But the improvement you have seen match-by-match is I think what we wanted to achieve as an emerging Test-playing country,” said Chappell.

Ihe players have learnt a lot and I believe that they are mature enough to understand where they are lacking and whaj they need for improvement,” said the white-haired Australian.

In terms of performance, Chappell believed his batsmen struggled in the first two one-dav internationals because of the bouncy wicket at the Harare

Sports Club ground

“But they played extremely well In the third and final game in Bulawayo to reply with 272 while chasing the home team's monumental 308.”

Chappell also thought the team's showing was better in the second Fest, especially to take the match into the fifth day. He said now ii was essential the batsmen knew which balls to play at and which are to be left alone.

Chappell was full of praise for opener Javed Omar, middle-order batsman Habibul Bashar and leftarm seamer Monjurul Islam. Also

young right-arm seamer Mohammad Sharif impressed him in the one-dayers.

On the other hand Naimur, admitted he was far from satisfied with his performance.

"I was not at all successful during (he lour May be the conditions in Zimbabwe were not suitable Jot an ofT-s^inner, I also failed as a batsman, (he Bangladesh captain said.

Manage! Mahbubul Anam thanked the Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) for extending their excellent hospitality during the month-long tour.