This pitches at DCS were badly effected by rain and former national paceman Dipu Roy Chaudhury,who is responsible for the wickets, said,'' it is a near miracle that a team is able to practice here.''
``This ground was totally under water a few days ago and there was no pitch covers. It's a great relief that they dried up in time'',added Dipu.
So far so good
David Lloyd doesn't mix business with pleasure. The England coach keeps totally focused when practice is on and only obliges when its over. He seemed to be in a generous mood at the end of yesterday's nets.
``I have a fine team. It's keen, eager, determined and we are always confident'', said Lloyd about the spirit of his team.''We are not the best side in the world so we are working hard to get there.I'm pleased with what I've seen in practice.''
Lloyd expressed his total satisfaction with the practice facilities at the DCS. ``It's excellent. I do not know how the groundsmen have managed to keep the pitches dry despite the rain. They have done a tremendous job.''
Chairman of selectors David Graveney was in tone with Lloyd. ``The pitches, dressing rooms and other aspects of this ground are fantastic'',remarked Graveney who frequently tries out his looping off-breaks at the nets.
Harsha in town!
ESPN is not covering the Wills International Cup. So one was puzzled to see the network's crew at the DCS. A little distance away from the England net stood the bespectacled Harsha Bhogle, a house hold name in TV commentating, now working for ESPN.
``I'm not in Dhaka to commentate,''confirmed the affable Indian. ``I have only arrived yesterday and possibly would leave on Wednesday after doing some interviews and stuffs like that.''
Changing the topic to the Bangladesh team, Harsha seemed a bit taken aback by recent changes. ``What's happening to your side? I've heard that the selectors have dropped two very fine batsmen, Akram Khan and Athar Ali Khan. You can strip Akram of the captaincy but how could you drop him as a batsman? I just don't understand.''
Harsha appeared to be a big fan of the present skipper Aminul Islam. ``He is without parallel among your batsmen. You can tell by the way he bats that Aminul belongs to a different league.''
The man knows his job
Brian Murgatroyd,the media relations officer of the England team is probably the busiest man in the contingent. He can be well mistaken for a player in his England shirt and is an indispensable member of the squad.
The Welshman,has been with the England Test and one-day sides since July 1997. he has been of immense help to the local journalists in arranging interviews with the stars of the England side and has also kept the pressmen up to date with team news.
The amiable Murgatroyd is a bundle of knowledge regarding any information about his players. ``It's my job to know as much as possible about the team and the cricketers. I try to accommodate things precisely and in an orderly way.''
Murgatroyd,along with David Graveney and David Lloyd will fly straight to Australia to join the ashes squad. ``We will be leaving for Australia immediately, once our interest in this competition finishes.Hopefully that will be in early Novmber'', quipped Murgatroyd, obviously foreseeing his side playing in the final scheduled for November 1
It's not funny
World champions Sri Lanka had a rather abrupt introduction to Bangladesh yesterday when some overly enthusiastic civil aviation personnel started taking photographs upon the team's arrival at the ZIA International Airport.
Arjuna Ranatunga's men were clearly not amused.
Dinner date dumped?
According to reliable sources, the gala dinner for all the participants,scheduled for October 27 at the Pan Pacefic Sonargaon Hotel, has been called off. However, nobody among the hosts or the organisers could spell out any special reason for the postponement.
Indians not pleased
The delays in issuing of accreditation cards and other mismanagement has irked a number of journalists who have flown in from India.
``The national stadium has had a remarkable face lift from the time we last visited(Coca Cola Independence Cup in January). Unfortunately the organisational features has deteriorated at the same rate'',said one frustated pressman.