Dhaka, June 17: Bangladesh's new cricket coach is not afraid of facing Australia, even if his Test minnows come against the full might of cricket's No. 1 team. "Scared? No! Why should I be? I am glad to hear that they will field their full team -- the attitude is very good," Dav Whatmore, a Sri Lankan born Australian, said during a training session today with his new charges in the Bangladesh capital, Dhaka.
Whatmore said it would be a good test for the Bangladeshis - who have never won a Test match - to face Australia's best.
Whatmore, who guided Sri Lanka to the World Cup championship in 1996, took over as Bangladesh coach last month after Bangladesh's dismal World Cup performance in South Africa in March. "Things are going well. Technique is improving. I am happy with the whole process," Whatmore said.
Bangladesh will play two Tests and three limited-overs internationals during its maiden tour of Australia from July 6 to August 7.
Captained by all-rounder Khaled Mahmud, the Bangladesh team will depart for Australia on June 22 to play some practice matches ahead of the Test series. The team has not won a Test or limited-overs international since gaining Test status in 2000. Bureau Report