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Skipper eager for action

NAIMUL Karim from Chittagong
As the Tigers approach their first Test in five months, Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim said that the main challenge for the hosts would be to put their best foot forward on the field instead of focusing on New Zealand's strengths or weaknesses.
"I think our bigger challenge is with ourselves rather than against them [New Zealand] because we are playing Test cricket after a long time," Mushfiqur said while speaking to reporters at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong yesterday.
He also lamented the cancellation of the three-day practice match and felt that the Tigers' preparation for the Test series 'could have been better'.
"It would have been good if we had the opportunity to play more longer-version cricket. Also, if we were able to practise on the centre wicket for two to three days, it would have helped us become habituated to the surface. We could not do that because of the weather," said Mushfiqur.
"J think it's time to focus on cricket and forget the rest. Hopefully as a team we can perform well. I hope I can put in the biggest contribution."
"But it [lack of play] will affect them |New Zealand] thrice as much, because they are new to these conditions and could not play the practice match either. The preparation may not have been ideal but the players have been in good touch, so that's a positive," he added.
The final 11 for the first Test beginning today is yet to be settled, with the number three position a major talking point. According to coach Shane Jurgensen, the uncapped Marshall Ayub is a frontrunner for that position. Number four also remains undecided with Naeem Islam and Mominul Haque in the race. There is also a question regarding the addition of an extra spinner in Abdur Razzak. If that happens, Bangladesh will likely have to forgo a batsman.
"Looking at the wicket it seems that the spinners are going to get plenty of help so we might play more spinners.
|Mohammad| Ashraful played at number three last time so someone has to fill that spot and there are many batsmen in the side who are capable," said Mushfiqur.
Mushfiqur also referred to Zimbabwe's recent achievement - they beat Pakistan in their last Test and leaped over Bangladesh in the Test rankings -and said that it would only encourage the hosts to play better. "It felt bad when they beat us. We have not been able to achieve [beat Pakistan in Test] what they have. But this New Zealand series gives us a good opportunity," he said.
The defeats to Zimbabwe, the spotfixing scandals and the problems in domestic cricket have contributed to an unhappy year for Bangladesh cricket so far. From Wednesday onwards however, the captain wants the team to forget everything else and just focus on cricket.
"I think it's time to focus on cricket and forget the rest. Hopefully as a team we can perform well. I hope I can put in the biggest contribution."