Bangladesh have left for their two-Test tour of New Zealand without two players who have been ever-present since the country was granted Test status in 2000. Naimur Rahman and Akram Khan, both former captains, were dropped after the recent series defeat against Zimbabwe and Khaled Mashud was appointed as captain.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board also made sweeping administrative changes, with a politician, Ali Asghar Lobi, replacing Akmal Hossain as president and Afzalur Rahman Sinha becoming team manager. "I have taken the challenge as new board president to develop the game further," said Lobi. "We will try our best to prepare the national team to give a better show in the next World Cup Cricket 2003 to be held in South Africa." Bangladesh's coach Trevor Chappell was not looking so far ahead. "Our target would be to improve the team's performance," he said.

The side play Tests in Hamilton (December 18-22) and Wellington (December 26-30).

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