Dav disappointed, but encouraged by signs of progress

Dhaka, May 27 (UNI) While admitting that the Bangladesh team had a long way to go, outgoing coach Dav Whatmore today said the Tigers had made encouraging progress in the past four years.

Whatmore, who finished his tenure with Bangladesh taem with this match, said, ''It was disappointing to lose by such a huge margin.

But these things happen when you have a big score to chase. Quite logically, the margin seemed too hard to scale. We don't get this too often.'' He also lauded vice-captain Mohammed Ashrafful for his breezy innings, saying, ''Ashrafful's innings was a touch of brliiance again, but more akin to One-day cricket. But he is a very very good player. If you hit the ball in the air, you may get out caught. He knows that. It was a good knock anyway." ''I would have loved Ashrafful to develop more in the four years. His best cricket is surely yet to come. And his consistency will improve as he gets older, but not quite the way I would have loved him to be. He is a terrific talent,'' he added.

Whatmore who is tipped to be India's next coach, feels that the hosts have long way to go in world cricket.

''Well, yes we have a long way to go. No questions about that.

How you will become more competitive in the longer term needs clear thinking. But we certainly need to play more than what we do.

Certainly everybody in the cricketing world wants Bangladesh to be competitive in the longer term,'' he said.

Commenting on skipper Habibul Bashar, he said, ''He is the best player for Bangladesh in the team's cricketing history. His Test record is 30 plus.'' When quizzed how would he remember his four-year stint with the Tigers, an emotional Whatmore said, ''A lot of fond memories. Lot of interesting things on the way. Beating some of the big teams.

Progressing in the World Cup was a big effort.'' ''My contract ends on June 1. Then I need to recharge my batteries. You all know there may be another challenge not far away.

That will remain on the decision of the employer and on the fouth of June everything will be clear,'' he added.

UNI