Siddons expects Bangladesh to perform well in New Zealand

Wellington, Feb 2: Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons expects his team to perform well during their New Zealand tour and be far more assertive this time around.

In 2007-08, Bangladesh had moments to savour, but not enough and were outplayed 3-0 in the ODI series and comfortably in both tests.

Much of the personnel remain the same, but there has been development and it’s paying dividends, Siddons said.

Now, there are several top quality players and the self-belief is on the rise.

“The aim is to try and produce some world-class cricketers and back then I didn’t think we had anyone who could walk out and succeed. Now there are three or four guys who every time they go out expect to do well,” New Zealand Herald quoted Siddons, as saying.

He cited captain and all rounder Shakib al Hasan, opener Tamim Iqbal, wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim and Mohammad Ashraful as players who can stand tall in top company.

The tour has three ODIs, in Napier, Dunedin and Christchurch before the only test, in Hamilton from February 15.

Siddons is confident this Bangladesh is a more grown-up version, and more worldly-wise, of the 2008 edition. He expects a decent showing from his men.

“I don’t expect us to dominate New Zealand by any stretch, but if we play as well as we can, we should win games, it’s as simple as that,” he said.