Bangladesh eye productive workout against India

Bangladesh would want to rectify their mistakes against Pakistan in the first warm-up game when they take on another Asian powerhouse India in the second and final practice match at Kennington Oval on Tuesday. The Tigers spent time at the Oval nets on Monday and appeared in confident mood, despite the agonising defeat against Pakistan. Catching has been the major concern for Bangladesh so far so it was no surprise to see assistant and fielding coach Richard Halsall looking busy with his charges, making sure there would be no more dropped catches in the coming days. Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal has been in terrific form, much like his partner Soumya Sarkar, which will no doubt give the Tigers the upper hand whenever they go out to bat. However, the likes of batsmen Sabbir Rahman, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib al Hasan will have to step up the gas in the biggest stage of them all if the Tigers are to achieve something significant. All-rounder Mahmudullah meanwhile, is among the runs in recent times, thus giving Bangladesh some assurance in the lower middle-order. On the other hand, the Tigers' bowling department will get some much needed boost in the form of fast bowling sensation Mustafizur Rahman, who is all set to make a comeback after being rested against Pakistan. Sabbir and pacer Rubel Hossain also sat out the Pakistan clash but will return for the India tie. As far as confidence goes, Bangladesh are no short of it following their win against New Zealand in the tri-nation series in Ireland. To add to their joy, the men in red and green will enter the 2017 Champions Trophy as the world's sixth best side. Tigers head coach Chandika Hathurusingha would want to finalise the playing XI for the tournament opener against host England and it is expected that the starting XI against India will be a dress rehearsal for the Thursday clash. The weather in London was pretty dull till the report was filed on Monday. There was slight drizzle but there are expected to be clean skies in England's capital city on Tuesday. Like Bangladesh, India, led by Virat Kohli, would also target a good workout ahead of the main tournament. It will be a good outing for both the teams, and more importantly, the warm-up matches actually offer more opportunities for teams like Bangladesh, as opposed to India, to correct their mistakes and go all out in the eighth edition of the flagship event.