Camp underway with fitness tests

Bangladesh cricket team began their camp for the Sri Lanka series with a few fitness tests at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.

The Test team underwent the tests in the morning before attending a number of skill sessions in the afternoon.

According to Bangladesh's strength and conditioning coach Mario Villavarayan, the tests were done in order to assess the individual strengths and weaknesses of players.

“Today, for me, it was just getting to do some fitness tests to see where the players are individually so that I can work with them during the Sri Lanka series and going forward. We don't have time for fitness camps. Whatever I do, it will have to be during the tour,” explained Villavarayan following the tests.

“We have been playing a lot of cricket in the last six months. What we needed for the players was to give them a break. The guys who needed a break got that and the guys who did not have a lot of workload, we put them to the Bangladesh Cricket League,” he added.

Furthermore he said that he has no problems with left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman's fitness levels.

“There is nothing that stopped Mustafizur from completing the fitness session. I am not concerned about his fitness,” said the Sri Lankan.

Outside the 16-member team for the Sri Lanka series, Imrul Kayes is working hard to get fit in time for the second Test. Imrul has to play another Bangladesh Cricket League game before he can be considered for the Sri Lanka series. Villavarayan indicated that if Imrul is deemed fit, there is a good chance for the left-handed opener to join the Tigers.

The Sri Lankan believes that the upcoming series could be quite interesting for Bangladesh.

“The last time Bangladesh were there in 2013, we had a good series. With the experience we have now, I think everyone is very interested in the series.

“Personally if you ask me, I think it's going to be an interesting series and we stand a good chance if we play to our potential,” said Villavarayan.

After the fitness sessions, the Tigers took a short break and then resumed training in the afternoon with a series of fielding drills.

Bangladesh's fielding has not been up to the mark lately and that is the reason why Richard Halsall has been working hard with the team.