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Bangladesh coach concedes Pak clear favorite in Test series
Karachi, Aug 17: Bangladeshi coach Dav Whatmore conceded today that Pakistan is clear favorite to win the three-Test series that starts here this week, but remained upbeat that the minnows of world cricket can raise their game and compete at the top level.
Karachi, Aug 17: Bangladeshi coach Dav Whatmore conceded today that Pakistan is clear favorite to win the three-Test series that starts here this week, but remained upbeat that the minnows of world cricket can raise their game and compete at the top level.
Bangladesh has lost all but one of its 21 Test matches since it got Test status in 2000. Rain saved it from defeat in one match against Zimbabwe.
"Pakistan is difficult to beat in its own conditions. They are clearly favorites for the Test series," said Whatmore, a former coach of Sri Lanka who helped that side to a 1996 World Cup victory in Pakistan.
"There is a big depth of talent in Pakistan, there is no doubt about that and I am very impressed," he said. "I have always been saying that the (Bangladesh) team should improve as much as possible. I hope some individuals lift a gear or two to make the team as competitive as possible," he added.
Bangladesh lost heavily against current world champion Australia last month - in two Test matches and the three one-day internationals - although the team managed to turn in some creditable performances.
Whatmore said Bangladesh has players who can compete at Test level and it's time for his team to forget past defeats. "A lot of (Bangladesh) players have the required level to play at the Test level. We had a difficult series in Australia and had interesting times, but it should be put behind (us) now and we should convert them into good performances," he said.
Bureau Report
"Pakistan is difficult to beat in its own conditions. They are clearly favorites for the Test series," said Whatmore, a former coach of Sri Lanka who helped that side to a 1996 World Cup victory in Pakistan.
"There is a big depth of talent in Pakistan, there is no doubt about that and I am very impressed," he said. "I have always been saying that the (Bangladesh) team should improve as much as possible. I hope some individuals lift a gear or two to make the team as competitive as possible," he added.
Bangladesh lost heavily against current world champion Australia last month - in two Test matches and the three one-day internationals - although the team managed to turn in some creditable performances.
Whatmore said Bangladesh has players who can compete at Test level and it's time for his team to forget past defeats. "A lot of (Bangladesh) players have the required level to play at the Test level. We had a difficult series in Australia and had interesting times, but it should be put behind (us) now and we should convert them into good performances," he said.
Bureau Report