‘WC performance will help our confidence’

Bangladesh Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim expressed his optimism regarding the tour of New Zealand as the first batch of cricketers left for Australia as part of the Tigers' preparation for the tour.

“The performance in the World Cup down under will help our confidence. I believe the batsmen will have to cope up with the conditions and if they can do that, it will be a very good series for us. We have the ability, we are carrying on with the confidence and most importantly, we carry fantastic memories of the World Cup, explained Mushfiqur when he spoke to the reporters prior to his departure for Australia.

“This series is a different challenge for us. We have been playing good cricket at home. It is in this series we’ll have to prove whether we care capable of carrying the momentum.” Bangladesh Test captain added.

The other players will leave for Australia after the completion of the final match of Bangladesh Premier League 2016 between Dhaka Dynamites and Rajshahi Kings on December 9, 2016.

The Tigers are likely to attend a camp till December 18 before leaving for New Zealand where they will play three ODIs, three T20Is and two Tests against the Black Caps.

“It is a very short camp, but we believe it will help us tremendously.” Mushy replied when asked about the conditioning camp down under.

Bangladesh tour of New Zealand, 2016-17

Dec 26 1st ODI, Christchurch

Dec 29 2nd ODI, Nelson

Dec 31 3rd ODI, Nelson

Jan 3 1st T20, Napier

Jan 6 2nd T20, Mt Maunganui

Jan 8 3rd T20, Mt Maunganui

Jan 12-16 1st Test, Wellington

Jan 20-24 2nd Test, Christchurch