Tushar Imran ruled out, Bashar catches cold but will play

Chittagong, May 17 (UNI) Acknowledging that India was better side, Banlgadesh captain Habibul Bashar today said lack of Test cricket for the last 13 months could be a big setback for his team.

''That we have not played a Test for 13 months is definitely a setback for us. It would have been good if we had played a couple of Test matches,'' Bashar told reporters here.

Banlgadesh last played the ie previous Test in April 2006, when they collapsed to an innings defeat against Australia.

Bashar said that the team was still not free of the viral problem, with Tushar Imran begin ruled out of the match due to a high fever and he himself suffering from cold.

''But I'm hopeful of playing tomorrow,'' he said.

Praising the Indians, the Banlgadesh skipper said that the arrival of senior pros like Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar was bound to add to the strength of the visiting side.

''The Indians are a better side. They may even win the two-Test series 2-0. Sourav and Sachin are top performers. We will try to get them out quickly.

''The Indians have adapted to the condtions well. They are tough opponents. But I would like to say here that all teams become equal when a match starts,'' he added.

He however added that Bangladesh, though the underdogs, had a chance of doing well if the players played to their potential.

Bashar felt that the good performance of the team over the last one year could be a motivation to steal greater glories.

UNI