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Siddons asks Ashraful to hold fire against NZ

Tigers' post-ICL era set to begin

Sports Reporter
Jamie Siddons is keen to 'pull Ashraful's horns in' when Bangladesh take on New Zealand in the first one-daycr of the three-match series today at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
The Bangladesh coach gave his clear stance on Ashraful's approach, especially with the batting order wearing thin.
"Ashraful has been let loose for 128 GDIs. 1 would like to reign him in a little bit now and see him bat a bit like the last tri-series (Kitply Cup) at home," said Siddons.
The Bangladesh captain totalled 92 runs including a half-century in the June tournament but his restrained approach drew much flak. But Siddons believes that this is how he can bring out the best in the ace batsman.
"I would like to pull in his horns a little bit and I want him to score those 60s and 40s. He understands that he has limitations," added the 44-year-old Australian.
But the Tigers were blanked 3-0 by Australia in their last series in September, mainly due to poor batting, but the team's Australian coach Jamie Siddons said he hoped his side had recovered from the shock
"We were pretty bad in Australia but good in the Asia Cup (in July). Obviously losing those players to the ICL was a hiccup but these boys arc generally improving,” said Siddons.
"We lost three players and it is never easy to have a change," said
Siddons before adding, "Definitely they'll be missed. I worked with them for nine months. They could have been superstars and (Alok) Kapali was well on his way. He scored that amazing century (against India in the Asia Cup)."
"But the boys are looking very united and a happy group at the moment. So I am looking forward to see what happens tomorrow," said Siddons.
Ashraful, admittedly, felt little burden and added that it is up to the individual's ability to handle pressure.
"There's always pressure," said Ashraful quite matter-of-factly, adding that there's always a lot of responsibility on him despite the mass exodus of the national players.
"There's no point in missing them. The key to staying in the team is performance and I think the boys are all focussed and are looking forward to the first match," said the diminutive batsman.
The national selectors have announced a twelve-man squad for the first game, leaving out lefthanders Imrul Kayes and Mehrab Hossain.
FROM PAGE 17
Batsman Nayeem Islam is all set to make his international debut while another, Mahbubul Alam, has an outside chance after paceman Shahadat Hossain hurt his left palm during practice and the think-tank will only decide on him today morning. Shahadat bowled at the nets yesterday but was seen concerned with the injury.
"We are close to an eleven and we will decide tomorrow morning," said Siddons.
New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori predicted a high-scoring game and said that it would be wise
to bat first.
"We haven't had a look at the wicket for the last couple of days but from what I have seen of it and from previous experience I think it will be a flat track with runs in it.
"We are starting very early and I don't know how tlie conditions will be but generally in the Subcontinent you would want to bat first. I believe it will be possible to get 280-300 on this wicket," said the left-arm spinner.
The Black Caps are likely to play all their other spin option -- off-spinner Jectan Patel while dashing opener Jesse Ryder, who missed the
England tour due to a nightclub brawl, is likely to open with Jamie How.
Brendon McCullum, who endeared himself to the sub continent after a scintillating 158 in the IPL opener for Kolkata Knight Riders, is likely to bat at number five.
Ashraful himself recognised the threat of McCullum and said that it would be imperative to remove him early.
Why this cause for concern?The last time McCullum batted against Bangladesh, New Zealand finished the match in record time.