Sri Lanka v Bangladesh,1st Test, Colombo

Sri Lanka v Bangladesh, 1st Test, Colombo Sri Lanka to provide no respite for Bangladesh The Preview by Sa'adi Thawfeeq in Colombo June 24, 2007 Mahela Jayawardene: 'We treat each and every game very seriously and make sure we put in more than 100 percent on every game' © AFP Bangladesh can expect no respite from a charged up Sri Lanka when they confront them in a series of three Tests starting Monday at the SSC grounds. "One thing we've realized is that whether we play Australia or Bangladesh whoever it is, even Zimbabwe we are going to treat every game as top priority for us," said Mahela Jayawardene. "That's the attitude we've been having and its part of our success we've had in the last 2-3 years. We treat each and every game very seriously and make sure we put in more than 100 percent on every game. Attitude-wise, the enthusiasm, the aggression everything will be the same. The only thing we have to switch would be from one day cricket to Test cricket," he stated. Sri Lanka will be greatly strengthened by the return of Kumar Sangakkara, Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan. All three have been playing county cricket in England and will return after the series against Bangladesh. "They are all keen to get back into playing Test cricket." Sri Lanka will be playing a home Test after nearly 12 months. The last Test played at the SSC against South Africa in July 2006 was a memorable one for Jayawardene and Sangakkara. The pair shared a world record partnership of 624 runs for any wicket in Test cricket. Jayawardene went onto compile Sri Lanka's highest score in Test cricket, a monumental 374, while Sangakkara hit a career best 287. Sri Lanka piled up 756 runs and beat South Africa by an innings. Bangladesh is keeping a close eye on experienced opener Javed Omar after he was laid ill with a virus. "Omar is coming through well and we hope he will be fit for the Test. Mehrab Hossain has been named as standby in the twelve just in case Omar fails to pull through," said Bangladesh coach Shaun Williams. Williams who is standby coach until Bangladesh finds a successor to Dav Whatmore said that playing a full Test series of three matches would benefit Bangladesh a lot. "We are happy to have a three-Test series. It will give this young group in terms of experience a chance to educate themselves to get better at this level," said Williams. "It's a learning curve for every player in the side as they strive to achieve success. I wouldn't at this stage set any goals for winning and losing. The more we face strong opposition the better it is for us to get to know how well we can play," he said. Bangladesh does show a lot of weaknesses in Test cricket. But then you'll never know. They keep improving and they could be a surprise package. Although there has been a lot of rain in the past few days the pitch looked firm and Jayawardene assessed that it would be a great wicket to bat on. "The ground staff has done a brilliant job to keep it dry. It looks a very good wicket. There will definitely be something for the fast bowlers and the spinners will have bounce and probably turn in the latter part of the Test. It will be a great wicket to bat on because the ball will definitely be coming on," said Jayawardene. Sri Lanka will go into the Test with seven batters and four bowlers. Jayawardene said there will be a toss up between Dilhara Fernando and Farveez Maharoof. "Both of them are bowling really well, absolutely brilliantly. It's unfortunate that we have to keep one of the guys out. That's the choice we have to make. Whoever gets left out here will get an opportunity to come back and play one of the other Test matches," Jayawardene said. "One of the reasons we are going with seven batsmen is that the line up we have is a bit inexperienced," he said. Sri Lanka are without experienced openers Sanath Jayasuriya (rested), Marvan Atapattu (unavailable) and Upul Tharanga (injured). They go into the Test with left-handers Michael Vandort who's played in six Tests and Malinda Warnapura who will be making his Test debut at the age of 28. Jayawardene insisted that there would be no complacency on his team's part. "We will not take it easy. It's going to be 100 percent from the first ball. Bangladesh do show a lot of weaknesses in Test cricket. But then you'll never know. They keep improving and they could be a surprise package. You shouldn't leave them any room to come back at you. From the first ball onwards whether we are batting or bowling we are going to go after them and make sure we put them under pressure," he said. Bangladesh has lost all seven Tests played between the two countries. Sri Lanka (fromOmar, Khaled Mashud, Mohammad Rafique, Rajin Saleh, Shahadat Hossain, Shahriar Nafees, Shakib Al Hasan, Mehrab Hossain. ): Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Michael Vandort, Malinda Warnapura, Kumar Sangakkara, Chamara Silva, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Prasanna Jayawardene, Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralitharan, Dilhara Fernando, Farveez Maharoof, Malinga Bandara, Sajeewa de Silva. Bangladesh (from): Mohammed Ashraful (captain), Mashrafa Mortaza, Abdur Razzak, Habibul Bashar, Javed

Current Tour :: Bangladesh in Sri Lanka, 2007

Current Tour :: Bangladesh in Sri Lanka, 2007 Tigers take off for Colombo 16 June 2007 The 15 player squad of Bangladesh team, along with 7 staff members, have left for Colombo last evening. They boarded on the plane at Zia International Airport, where members of the team management were present to see them off. The remaining 5 players will join the team during the third Test to play in the One Day Internationals. Ex-captain Akram Khan, who is a new selector for the team, is also accompanying them to Sri Lanka. They are scheduled to reach Colombo on June 17 morning, and plan to hit the nets for a practice session soon after reaching. The Tigers are on a 40 day tour of Sri Lanka, where they will play three Tests and three One Day Internationals against the host. They will also play a three-day warm-up match at Colts starting June 20, and a one day warm-up match at Colombo on July 18. Tigers filling out the embarkation cards at Zia International Airport before leaving for Sri Lanka ? DailyStar Tigers intend to bounce back in this series after a mediocre performance against India in May of this year. Ashraful is hopeful for a better performance even though the team has received only a few days of practice. ?If we can play until the 5th day in the Test matches, I will consider that as a definite improvement? said the young captain. ?We are more concerned about our performance than the match results?, added Ashraful. Sri Lanka is not new to Ashraful, since he played in both the previous series when Bangladesh toured Sri Lanka. This tour is the first assignment for the newly appointed captain Mohammad Ashraful, and also his deputy, Mashrafe Bin Murtoza. The team also has a new (interim) coach, Shaun Williams. The 15 member squad: Mohammad Ashraful (captain), Mashrafe Bin Murtoza (vice-captain), Habibul Bashar, Javed Omar, Mehrab Hossain, Shahriar Nafees, Rajin Saleh, Sakib al Hassan, Khaled Mashud, Shahadat Hussain, Syed Rasel, Mohammad Rafiq, Abdur Razzak, Mohammad Sharif, Mushfiqur Rahim. Accompanying staff members:Shaun Williams (coach), Sarwar Imran (assistant coach), Mohammad Salauddin (fielding coach), Paul Close (physio), Paul Chapman (trainer), Nasiruddin Nasu (computer analyst). Tour schedule: June 20-22 - Warm-up match at ColtsJune 25-29 - 1st Test, Colombo (R. Premadasa Stadium)July 3-7 - 2nd Test, Colombo (Saravanamuttu Stadium)July 11-15 - 3rd Test, KandyJuly 18 - One-day warm-up match, Colombo (NCC)July 20 - 1st ODI, Colombo (Saravanamuttu Stadium)July 22 - 2nd ODI, Colombo (R Premadasa Stadium)July 24 - 3rd ODI, Colombo (R Premadasa Stadium) From Wasim Khan Polash, "Akti Bangladeh" (A Bangladesh) Paris, France. ngladesh) Paris, France.

Ashraful the flag bearer of Bangladesh Cricket

Ashraful the flag bearer of Bangladesh Cricket Team Published: 18th June, 2007 On a winter day of 1993 at the Sidhdheswary cricket training ground, one of the breeding grounds of many national cricketers, a couple of net practices were going on. Former Bangladesh skipper Khaled Mahmud Sujon and Imran Hamid Partho were doing serious net practice for Amarjyoti, a club that used to play in the second division cricket league. Mohammad Rafique, ace spinner of Bangladesh, had played for Amarjyoti in the previous season and was also there to share the net practice. Cricket in Bangladesh in those days were easily outclassed by football and Bangladesh were only playing ICC Trophy without any apparent success. A young boy of about 9-10 was a regular feature at the net practices. He always arrived in time dressed in cricket whites; a bit oversized on his lean body. He was happy to work as a net boy, nothing more. Day after day, month after month he continued to be a regular feature of the practice session of Amarjyoti club. The club completed one season in the second division league, net practice stopped and the boy was not seen anywhere near the Sidhdheswary ground for the rest of the year. Next year, the net session started and everyone was surprised to see the boy, back again to perform his duty with religious regularity. Almost nothing changed; the same face, the same whites and the same dedication. One day Khaled Mahmud, captain of Amarjyoti club, asked him, “Do you want to be a cricketer”? Yes, the answer was very prompt from him. “I can bowl a bit, leg spin bowling. If you allow me, I can show you some,” said the boy who looked no more than 9-10 years old. Surprisingly enough, Mahmud listened to the boy's appeal. Imperial Ashraful The first batsman in the net was Imran Hamid Partho, a dashing left handed opener who later played for Bangladesh A and Abahani. At that time he was a leading performer for Amarjyouti and was particularly merciless against spinners. With all the concentration in the world, the young boy delivered his first ever ball in the competitive world of cricket. The ball, which could have disappeared from the small field, deceived Imran with turn and bounce and Imran missed it completely. In utter disbelief everyone witnessed the incident, Imran was shaking his head. The same thing happened in the next ball and the boy continued to cause all sorts of trouble for Imran. Batsmen came to the net one after another, and the magic continued. After the net session, they boy with a smiling face said, “See, I can bowl leg spin a bit”. He was very happy to become a part of the net session that he had witnessed for years with a dream to participate. Suddenly the club officials became very interested in the boy and wanted to make sure that he turns up the very next morning. The next day was a busy day for him; the club officials took him to the BCB office of the Bangabandhu National Stadium to get him registered with the club. After searching all available sportswear shops, they somehow managed to find him proper cricket whites, which after a good amount of tailoring, fitted the lean body of the boy. In the next seven days he bowled as many balls as he wished, and all the players knew they had a match winner in their team. He got the first opportunity to bat in the net after 8 days; it was the day before the first match. More surprise was waiting for everyone in the field; this time the balls were disappearing everywhere with some sweet sound from the willow of the boy. He was playing every type of shots present in the coaching manual with unbelievable ease. Khaled Mahmud, the captain of Amarjyoti, exclaimed in surprise, “You really bat well, exceptional”. “I am basically a bowler who can bat a bit”, was the modest answer from the boy. Match day. Everyone in the field was very astonished to see the name a very young boy in the playing XI of Amarjyoti. After first 10 overs, Mahmud turned to the young prodigy. The umpire asked the name of the bowler. "Ashraful….Mohammad Ashraful," was the answer. The leg spinner Ashraful won the match for Amarjyoti. A talent was born and history was being made. Ashraful got the return of all his dedication and sincerity. A net boy, who passed days after days collecting ball from the net without any return, became the most valuable player of the team at the age of 10. At that time, former spinner and Mohammedan player, Wahidul Gani was a leading mentor of young cricketers. Mahmud took Ashraful to Wahidul Gani to show the talent he had discovered. On the very first day Gani realized the arrival of a star in his training camp. Ashraful became a very special student of Wahidul Gani, and the mentor used all his expertise to shape up the future of Bangladesh cricket. Ashraful stayed with Amarjyoti for only one season. In the very next season he moved to Victoria Sporting Club who were playing in the first division cricket league. Time started to pass very quickly for Ashraful. He was called for Bangladesh age group teams starting from U-13 to U-21’s. A leg spin bowler soon turned into the mainstay of batting in every team he played. In 16th January 2000, he made his debut for U-19 world cup at the age of 15 years and made his first class debut for Dhaka Division in 22nd November 2000. Within one year, he played for Bangladesh U-19’s in ICC U-19 world cup, Bangladesh U-17’s in ICC U-17 Asia Cup, Dhaka Metropolis in National Cricket League and Bangladesh Cricket Board XI against Australian Academy. After showing his brilliance everywhere, Ashraful finally made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in April 2001 at the age of 16 years. In September 2001, he made his historic Test debut against Sri Lanka in the Asian Test Championship and hammered a brilliant century to become the youngest player to make a Test century. Now I will take you to May 1, 2003. Bangladesh were playing the 2nd Test against South Africa in Dhaka. After reducing South Africa to 63-4, Bangladesh failed to keep up the pressure . Rudolph and Boucher were repairing the South African innings and formed a 107 run partnership to lift South Africa to 170-4. Bangladesh captain Khaled Mahmud turned to Mohammad Ashraful and he repaid the faith immediately. He lured Rudolph out of the crease and wicketkeeper Mohammad Selim did the rest. It was like the action replay of something that happened 8 years ago when Amarjyoti captain Khaled Mahmud turned to the unknown 10 year old boy to spin some magic. The characters were the same but the arena was vastly different. Ashraful completed the first cycle of his cricketing career, from a 2nd division club net of Siddheswary ground to the Test match gournds of Bangabandhu National Stadium. In his roller coaster international career, Ashraful produced some magic with the bat but failed live up to the expectations on numerous occasions. In spite of all of his failures, he was always regarded as the best batsman of Bangladesh cricket, someone who can turn the table around for Bangladesh. Whenever bad days came, he turned to his mentor Wahidul Gani. Gani eagerly waited to see his student and the pair worked hard to see off the hard times. Ashraful's sincerity and dedication always brought him back from the brink of failure. On June 2, 2007, the Bangladesh Cricket Board appointed Mohammad Ashraful as Bangladesh captain. On the very first day of his glory, he returned to the Sidhdheswary ground, the birth place of the cricketer Ashraful. The lean young boy, who waited for months with sincerity and dedication to get his first chance in the nets, went back to the same field as the flag bearer of Bangladesh cricket. edit by , Wasim Khan Polash, "Akti Bangladesh" (A Bangladesh) Paris, France.

Baishakh

A time to celebrate , to redeem the old pledge. Baishakh is that time of the year when we celebrate ourselves throught recalling the culture traditions we are heir to.It is occasion for us as a nation to retrace our steps to the first tentative steps our anoestors took in the inauguration of the heritage we are today part of . As Baishakh dawns today ,in this year of 1414, it becames our collective responsibility as a people to renew the old pledge and rekindle the old dreams. More importantly, it is a time for us to sit back and dwell on all the achievements we have made and all the failures we have experienced in the series of generational journeys we have through time. In a very broad sense, Pahlea Baishakh is a tima for us to go looking for our roots, a job we willdo yet once more today. The various festivals that will break out across the country in celibration of the day will be a testament to the values ,social as well as cultural,that we have always held dear.The explosion of arts and craft, the magnificence of song and the magic of poetry are what will symbolise the glory of the day. And the glory will reflect itself through the tempestuousness with which nature , in the from Baishakh rains and storms, Paints the land.In the other words, it is a sense of idealism laced witha necessary component of reality that we will observe on our first day of The Bengali New year. The reality is that for all our adherence to and upholding of heritage,There remains a consciousness of what we yet need to do in order for the country to measure up to expectations of it .More precosely, it is a matter of what we as Bengalis need to do to redeem the pledge we have made to ourselves over time. Our political struggles and triumphs,ranging from a movement for autonomy to a spirited war of liberation, will remain an inconclusive tale unless we are able to create for ourselves a socity thats respects citizens, upholds their rights and sustains the old values passed on to them by those who came before them Pahela Baishakh is a dawning, it is a time for old aspirations to be refurbished, for new dreams to be forged. In Baishakh 1414, it is these thoughts that we are drawn to. edit by , Wasim Khan Polash.

Rabindranath Tagore's 146th birth anniversary

Rabindranath Tagore Nobel laureate Poet. The 146th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore's celebrated with tributes to the Kavu Guru.Rabindranath whose multifaceted talent enriched all genres of bengali literature and arts,was the first Asian to be awarded the prestigious Nobel Prize. His poems, Novels, short stories, dramas, articles, essays, paintings and especially his songs under the generic name 'Ranibdra sangeet' have an eternal appeal inthe heart of the Bangalees. Rabindranath born in 1861, etablished Viswabharati University in 1921 and donated all his money from the Nobel Prize and royalty from his books to this University. Tagore's contribution to enriching Bangla literature would be ever remembered."There is no branch of literature wherein Rabindranath didn't have a strill.' The prolific and multifaceted creativity of Tagore establised the bengali language in the world arana. So he was not only a personality but also an institution.' Rabindranath as an endless source of inspiration in every joyful moment and crisis in life. A vest portion of his creativity covers the people and nature of Bangladesh. Referring to Bangladesh's national anthem as a Tagore songs. Tagore's songs and poems had inspired the freedom - loving people during the War of Liberation. "Akti Bangladesh" and socio - cultural organisations have shalked out elaborete programmes on the occasion of "Rabindra Janma Jayanti". There was a Zemindari of Rabindranath Tagore at Dakkhin Dighi village ,25 km off from Khulna city.Later, married Mrinalini , daughter of the rent collector (Nayeb) of his estate and spent many beautiful moments here with his wife. edit by, Wasim Khan Polash, President, Akti Bangladesh ( A Bangladesh)

108th birth anniversary of Bangladesh National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

Kazi Nazrul Islam, National poet of Bangladesh Dear M/Mme, Kazi Nazrul Islam , Our National poet is rightfully an icon of the massage for his revolutionary ideas , secular philosophies and defiance against any socio - political injustice. Where Nazrul stand now in our culture and our lives. "AKTI BANGLADESH" recently organised a discussion session to evaluate various aspects relating to the issue. Here is what the participants have to say on the position of Nazrul in today's Bangladesh and What our efforts should be to uphold the the pride of our nation-- Nazrul. Bulbuli, My Songsbird Bulbuli, my songbird, is tired and has fallen asleep -- the evening's flowers , dropped off from their stemps, gaze with mournful eyes. Flowers blossomed to its singing until it was silenced by some hunter's arrow; in the forest's lap the Evening - queen wails with disheveled hair. Translated by Sajed Kamal This news (attchetment) edit by M. Wasim Khan Polash, President, Akti Bangladesh (A Bangladesh) (An organisation for Cultural,Sports,Human right,Education for child and social welfare) 12 rue des Aulnes, Boite 30, 93600 Aulnay -Sous-Bois. France. E-mail: aktibangladesh1@yahoo.fr Tel: +33 81 6 13 89 06