First is their overall record. Bangladesh has played ten first class matches over the last three years in New Zealand, South Africa and at home and have not registered even one victory. They have lost six games and drawn four. Even in the comparatively less complex field of one day cricket, their record is nothing to boast about. And as everyone knows, Test cricket separates the men from the boys.
Good intentions are one thing, professional preparation quite another.
Of course the Bangladeshis may argue that it took time for countries like Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe to come of age in the longer game. Going by recent events, it must be said that the worldwide criticism against the country being granted Test status would seem to be justified. But to their credit, the BCB and the players are not in the least affected by this attitude. The organisers are leaving no stone unturned to make the occasion a grand success and the programmes associated with this objective have already started. And for their part, the cricketers are prepared to shrug off the past and get along with the game in a positive manner.