Batsmen jumping around at the crease is a rare sight in Mirpur these days. But a slightly lively wicket at the GP-BCB National Cricket Academy was enough to spice things up as the Tigers geared up there for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe.

With very little to do in terms of preparation apart from hitting the nets, the Tigers had to be content with creating tough conditions.

"I asked for some grass on one wicket and to leave the other one as a normal track," said coach Sarwar

Imran, the man in charge of the preparatory camp. "There was good carry and some bouncers were flying around. It was a good wicket and there was even bounce but with none of the movement that you usually get on a grassy wicket."

Several of the batsmen were hit as the likes of Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Nazmul Hossain and Robiul Islam enjoyed the bounce and peppered the batsmen.

Opener Imrul Kayes, after a long hit in the middle, laid a concrete block that covered a few bowling lengths so that he could replicate a fast wicket. Some others were seen giving special attention to the short ball.

The coach too was heard several times giving batsmen scenarios to bat in ten-minute sessions. "We don't have much time or space to get in all the scenarios but I gave them a few like batting ten minutes before and after the lunch interval, the first ten overs of the new ball, etc," explained Imran, who is set to accompany the Tigers to Zimbabwe as the assistant-cum-bowling coach.

While the Tigers cramped in as much skill training as possible, most of the Zimbabwe players are getting some much-needed action against South Africa A and Australia A in a tri-series at home.

Wickets during the southern hemisphere winter are slightly softer and according to those who have played in Harare and Bulayawo, there is need for a three-man seam attack. But apart from Shafiul and Rubel, only Nazmul looks a likely option.

The selectors are expected to name a 15-man squad by next week. Meanwhile, Jahurul Islam missed training yesterday due to an eye infection.