Pybus seeks Bangladesh cricket improvement

Bangladesh's new coach Richard Pybus said on Monday he wanted his team to build on encouraging results in recent times in order to compete strongly in international cricket.

"We want to go up in the rankings in all formats," the 47-year-old Englishman said in his first media interaction since taking over as coach from Australian Stuart Law last month.

"I look forward to working with the young group of players, help them improve and identify the key areas where we need to work. It's about maximising the potential we have."

Bangladesh, ranked a lowly ninth in both Test and one-day cricket, enjoyed a memorable Asia Cup campaign in Dhaka in March when they stunned fancied India and Sri Lanka to finish runners-up behind Pakistan.

"Its important to build on the momentum that has already been created and reach the goal we set for ourselves," said Pybus, a former Pakistan coach who will serve a two-year term with Bangladesh.

Pybus said he was "excited and honoured by the challenge" of coaching Bangladesh.

"I will spend the next few months getting to know every player and assess how we can go forward," he said.

The first assignment for the new coach will be an unofficial Twenty20 tri-series against South Africa and Zimbabwe in Harare starting later this month.

The attention will then shift to the World Twenty20 that takes place in Sri Lanka in September-October.

"We will be focussed on how best we can prepare for the World Twenty20," said Pybus.