Valuable lessons from Bangladesh visit
It wasn’t the most successful cricketing tour we’ve ever had, but after a week in Bangladesh we have certainly learned a lot as to where we are as a cricket team and what levels we need to aspire to.
Two years ago, we beat Bangladesh in Edinburgh. Since then, they have come on leaps and bounds.
They’re full time cricketers blessed with great training facilities and fanatical support. We’re all full-time workers who manage to fit in a training session on Sundays.
We lost both one-day internationals comfortably. The Bangladesh method is simple, but trying to combat their style of play requires experience in those conditions and plenty of full time cricket under our belts.
Bangladesh have two reasonably sharp opening bowlers in Mashrafe bin Mortaza and Shahadat Hossain.
Their back-up attack consists of four left-arm spinners, who come around the wicket, fire darts on a leg-stump line and set their fields accordingly.
On the low, skiddy wickets, they’re difficult to play. Caribbean pitches will be similar, so it would not surprise me if they cause a few upsets at the World Cup next year.
We play Bangladesh again in a warm-up match Barbados on 8 March and by that time we will have lots more experience. That result will be a more accurate gauge as to how far we have developed over the past few years.
It was a tough tour for Ryan Watson, our premier all-rounder. On the morning of our first ODI, he woke up with a heavy cold and then later in the day got poleaxed by a Mortaza bouncer.
The ball pierced his grill and fractured both his cheekbone and nose. Right now the little fella looks worse than Joe Frazier after the Thrilla in Manilla, but we expect him to be back in time for our game against the UAE on 8 January.
During the tour, we weren’t able to leave the hotel unless we had appropriate security, so most of the guys stayed indoors.
When we weren’t playing or training, we were able to catch up on some of the Ashes on television.
All the Scotland players bar Dougie Lockhart, Glenn Rogers and myself were supporting England.
Dougie Brown is Ashley Giles' best mate, so when he received the news about Ashley’s wife, he was obviously very upset and shaken.
However, Dougie took the field in our last ODI in Mirpur, a testament to how much he loves playing for Scotland. He is an inspiration to all of us.
Gavin Hamilton was a popular figure in Bangladesh. Most remember him for his performances in the 1999 World Cup. He is also the team prankster and keeps everyone amused.
Nothing can prepare you for the poverty of Bangladesh. Our bus journeys from the hotel to the grounds were an experience in themselves.
Thousands of people cram the streets, most sleep rough on the side of the road with a single sheet and open flame.
We saw children and dogs scouring through rubbish tips for food and buses that were so overcrowded people ending up sitting on the roof.
There seems to be no order on the roads. It took us nearly two hours to travel four miles on Friday afternoon - and that was with a police escort!
Now we have a couple of weeks off for the festive period before our five-week tour to UAE and Kenya.
I’m travelling to Bowmore in Islay for Christmas, which is as far removed from Bangladesh as you could possibly get.
We got thrashed in both games against Bangladesh, but it’s a continual learning curve for us as cricketers.
We gained plenty of experience from the tour, and providing we can work on the shortcomings that were exposed, we will be more competitive next time we meet them.
Why is this on here???
Complain about this postEr, any reason why it shouldn't be?
Complain about this postDear John!
Paul Hoffman was born and brought up in Australia , why would he cheer on England with the rest of the Scotland players??
Paranoia or what!
Complain about this postI couldn't care less about what this bloke has to say bunch of part time cricketers!!
Complain about this postJohn,
Fine.
And you are the type that makes me cheer on whoever are playing (and probably beating) England. At anything. Even if you were taking on Hitler at tiddlywinks.
Which is all pretty much as it should be.
No need for the beelin' guff ranting, OK?
Complain about this postJohn's post and his paranoia and ignorance were hilarious - for one would think someone logging on to a cricket site would know Hoffmann's background.
Complain about this postwell i hope you all do well in your upcoming matches!
Complain about this postWhy such ratty comments? Do English England cricket team supporters have to turn nasty when their team loses? I'm neither English nor Scottish, but I'm happy to follow the fortunes of both teams. Well done the BBC for putting this VERY INTERESTING report on their site.
Complain about this postCalm down , calm down!
As a scotsman i have been supporting England in the recent ashes series, i can fully understand why some might not support them........in fact reading some of the stupid comments coming out of the cricket blog in recent days about Fletcher, Flintoff and Jones etc etc i can fully understand why.
Complain about this postWhy is anyone bothered about a Scot not supporting England? It's a different country! I've never understood the fuss about this. I'm English, I don't support Scotland. Why on Earth would I? So why would anyone expect a Scot to support England? I don't follow the logic.
Going back to the cricket, I imagine these last couple of matches were a bit of an eye opener for Scottish cricket. There's still a long way to go until you can even think about getting creamed by the Ozzies! ;)
Complain about this postIn answer to Stevie Gutteridge, Scotland will be one of the non-Test playing nations taking part in the World Cup next year. I thought it would be interesting to find out about their preparations for the challenge awaiting them in the Caribbean and asked Paul to write about the tour to Bangladesh. In the New Year, I'm also hoping to feature contributions from a member of the Ireland team as well.
Complain about this postMyself and a bunch of fellow scots, plus a few other nationalities, went along to watch Scotland play in Dhaka. The atmosphere was excellent and we gave the best support we could to the brave scots. It must be remembered that this is basically a team of amatuers playing for a country that get very little funding. The way the players conducted themselves was a credit to our proud nation and the way the Bangladeshis welcomed us was a credit to theirs, especially in a time of great up heavel. If the game is to grow these tours are vital. Well done to both countries for the effort and the great day out!!!
Complain about this postNeil and pumpkin,
Hear hear! Rightly said.
Complain about this postThis is a total and utter waste of space and should not even be on here.
If Scotland can not take their Cricket Seriously then why should any one else.
Complain about this postShame on all of you who are too small minded not to take an interest in other areas of the sport.
It is interesting to explore more diverse aspects of our game, and to learn more about other playing nations.
Good luck Scotland, hope you cause upsets against the Aussies and South Africans, we don't want England's procession to the final to be interrupted by Ponting and co.
Complain about this postFirst of all, what an absolutely hilarious error by John. I was actually embarrased for him as i read that.
Its good to see some analysis on this site regarding the tour to Bangladesh. I was beginning to think the tour was getting largely ignored by Auntie.
I can't understand the ratty comments by some of the English on here. In my experience most Scottish cricket supporters actually cheer on England, myself included, so i can't understand the hostility directed towards us.
Its all terribly sad.
Complain about this posthuh?! Didn't know Scotland had a team of cricketers! :O Whatever next hey...
Complain about this postI don't understand why people think this article is a waste of space. I for one, whatever silly conflict with my English nationality, will be supporting the Scots at the World Cup next year, as indeed I will be cheering for Ireland, as it can only enrich the game of cricket for more nations to develop their setup. An unexpected win or two or just a great match with a more established country in the Windies would be a massive boost for a country like Scotland.
Very interesting article Paul, good luck with the tour in the new year.
Complain about this postAs a Scotsman with an Australian passport (and a British one too), I have to say that I was going for England during the Ashes - and I was celebrating England winning the Rugby World Cup here a few years ago.
Before moving to Oz, I used to want England to lose in every match, at every sport they ever played. Now I realise how close (but different) we are, and I'm quite happy to follow ingerlund.
I suppose I want them to do well when not competing with Scotland.
But.....Celtic beat Man Utd - brilliant, Calcutta Cup - brilliant, Andy Murray beating that ponce Henman - brilliant, Coulthard better than Button - ok, but not so exciting - Grumpy Monty winning the Ryder Cup (ok a one-eyed view there) brilliant.
Finally - to the guy who didn't know we had a cricket team.....we don't really, they're just part-timers, but they will leave the World Cup with the same as the highly paid professional from England......nothing.
Complain about this postVery interesting article,
Complain about this postI am proud to be a Bangladeshi, Well done Bangladesh and thanks to BBC for puting this article ..
Well done BBC for putting this story in, many bloggers are missing the big picture, most sports are universal, next years world cups, we down under will just be as interested as how the pacific Islanders are progressingas watching the New Zealand v Ireland final [all blacks easy] so lets start looking at the bigger picture, world sport is all about every nation having a go, if your not bothered, fine, but why moan about it? The smaller countries should be praised for having a go.
Complain about this postEnjoy your Xmas Paul. And best of luck eclipsing England at the World Cup next year.
Bring on the Aussies!
Complain about this postCan't believe all the negative comments about this blog.
Firstly, Hoffman is Australian and qualifies for Scotland by residency (remind you of anyone?) so he's naturally going to support Oz in the Ashes.
Secondly, contrary to popular belief there are more than two teams that play cricket (i.e. not just England and whoever they happen to be playing).
It's further evidence that a lot of the halfwits who post about England here are obviously England fans and not cricket fans. An important distinction.
Well done BBC for giving this a bit of exposure, it's welcome from me and a lot of Bangladesh fans as well, I would imagine.
Good luck to both Scotland and Bangladesh with their preparations for the World Cup.
Complain about this postWho cares if it is Scotland touring, for my reading it is an interesting insite on any touring team going to a place where we hear so little about apart from what the politicians want us to hear.
I knew Scotland had a cricket team, I also know that there level of expertise is one that is semi-pro . . . this article though could be written about a touring curling team to Bangladesh, or lawn bowls or whatever . . . look at the bigger picture folks and learn about the world.
A great piece of journalism/insight from a non-journalist, a must for all lovers of sport.
Complain about this posthello,
i am a big cricket fan. i wanna know if FIVE LIVE sPORTS Xtra will provide the live commentry for 2007 Cricket world cup.
I listened to the Ashes commentry on FIVE LIVE and it was fantastic
shiblee
Complain about this postThanks to the BBC and indeed Paul Hoffman for his valuable insight into the recent ODI series in Bangladesh. I am a Bangladeshi living in Manchester, and I must say I am very proud of the Bengal Tigers!!! O.k. they have played lowly opositions but like paul hoffman will tell you - Bangladesh is a very competitive team now and is always improving, and I am sure Scotland will too in future. My appeal to all cricketers and cricket lovers - please show respect for teams like Bangladesh, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and indeed scotland.
Complain about this postGreat article Paul, I wish you and Scotland a good tour and World Cup. As a cricket lover I find this article interesting and refreshing and a good insight to how a National team travels. As an Englishman living in Holland, I will be supporting Scotland & Holland in the World Cup, except when they play England :-)
Complain about this postThanks Beeb for putting these articles on.
its time now to start the professional ist class cricket in Scotland. Otherwise the game will not improve. The only way to improve is the ist class cricket. Not only in scotland but also in Ireland. As there will be the restriction on no of overseas players in county cricket. I think that will be the good oppurtunity to have more overseas players and start the ist class cricket on the basis of county cricket in england. Scotland will never improve as long as they dont have the ist class cricket of their own.
Complain about this postI was in BD almost 24 years but haven't seen anyone children and dogs scouring through rubbish tips for food specially in dhaka city!! Thankyou Mr. Hoffmann for this great discovery.
Complain about this postI love the way people say why is this on here. Why not i say, they are playing ODI internationals so why not, Scotland is going to the World Cup just like England. It was interesting to read.
I hope Ryan is ok and thanks BBC, you put an article about Scottish sport on a british website, afterall is Scotland in Britian??? lol
Good luck Wrighty and the boys!!!!
Complain about this postErr, Paul, you forgot to mention that you also lost the practice match to Bangladesh Academy team that is basically the third string team of Bangladesh.
Complain about this postGood article by paul hoffmann, it gives a good insight to how much improvement the Bangladesh Cricket team is making. It can also give motivation for teams like Scotland and Ireland to see where Bangladesh Cricket team was few years ago and how much they have moved on. Hopefully Bangladesh can become a great cricketing nation like our neighbours India and Pakistan.
Complain about this postI for one found the article interesting and don't understand Mr Gutteridge's question asking why an article on cricket is in the cricket section ? If he is not interested move on and don't spoil it with silly comments .Scotland have some talented cricketers but it is hard for these guys and they have done well to get where they are now. Bangladesh I'm sure will get better year on year as did Sri Lanka not so long ago.
Complain about this postI'm English and an England supporter, but if I may say so, I am glad to see the game flourishing in Scotland. To those who think an article on cricket doesn't belong in the cricket section, go and read something else. Your negative attitude isn't needed here. As for the Scots being part-timers, what's wrong with that? They aren't a Test-playing team. Do you scour the internet looking for articles you aren't interested in, so you can complain about them being there?
Complain about this postConor Goodwin-Tindall, one surname is enough mate
Complain about this postThanks to Rezwan for pointing out the obvious: if Mr. Hoffman had bothered to get out of his police-escorted bus, he would have understood what all dhaka city residents know: people do not scour garbage bins for food, but for recyclables that they sell FOR food. I've seen that sort of thing in parts of the UK as well, though obviously not as widespread as in Dhaka. There isn't exactly a famine going on in my country Mr. Hoffman, unlike, say, 1947 under British rule. Does BBC even fact-check these blogs?
Complain about this postAlso: Go Tigers!
I've seen Bangladesh Cricket team experienced the same kind of results in many tours. Better luck next time.
Complain about this postHi
Complain about this posti read ur article about Bangladesh and i am confused that u r a cricket player or a tour operator? we know that Bangladesh is developing country so it is obvious u will find poverty overthere but as a player u should not write these information in ur article. u said u all r part time player and full time worker so i really like to know what type of job u r doing? If u r not working in a travel agency plz find a job there coz that's ur right place. i 'm assuring u that u will be doing well i that job.
take care
bye
Hi
Complain about this posti read ur article about Bangladesh and i am confused that u r a cricket player or a tour operator? we know that Bangladesh is developing country so it is obvious u will find poverty overthere but as a player u should not write these information in ur article. u said u all r part time player and full time worker so i really like to know what type of job u r doing? If u r not working in a travel agency plz find a job there coz that's ur right place. i 'm assuring u that u will be doing well i that job.
take care
bye
... Forgot to mention that the Scots lost to, and learnt a lot from, Bangladesh's third tier team (Academy Eleven), while the second tier team (BD-A) was busy bashing Zimbabwe, and the national team was on a break.
Complain about this postSabbir, he's not criticising the country, he's merely mentioning the poverty (and poverty that he's probably never seen the likes of before).
Oh, and please stop talking in sms language. It hurts my eyes.
Complain about this postScotland players have security? Your not that important.
Complain about this postI'm from England. Glad to see Scotland playing more cricket. It can only be a positive thing for the world of cricket.
Secondly, this article is about cricket. I think the author managed to find the correct place on the internet to post it. I'm shocked at all the negative responses. Some people will always be narrow minded. Go back to your Daily Mail!
And last of all. It looks as though John's comments have been deleted. Unfortunately I didn't get to see what he had wrote, but sounds like he made a fool out of himself.
Complain about this postIt isn't scotland who should be being talked about, it is Ireland as the have accounted for more test nation scalps than scotland and are the current holders of the ICC inter continental trophy for 4 day matches at the level just below test status.
It is important to encourage other cricket playing nations and they have a right to coverage in these forums as well.
Complain about this postAs a Bangladeshi living in America I appreciate your honesty in telling it like it is.
Unfortunately you had security that prevented you from going around and enjoying the country and its people like many a foreign traveller has done before and still does dare I say.
A vist to Cox's Bazar beach would have amazed you? So too would a drive through the lush hills of Rangamati? Or a visit to Kaptai Lake?
Pity this so called war on terror has made even cricketers feel like those damned politicians who hide in bunkers while we poor folk have no roofs over our heads.
One hopes your next tour will be longer and more worthwhile.
Complain about this postHi Sabbir, Many of the players like myself work in a call centre for major UK banks, while Colin Smith is a policeman and Dougie Lockhart is a financial consultant.
Complain about this postWhats wrong with an article on scottish cricket?
Complain about this postim scottish and support england aswell but i dont complain about articles about the england team. i thought it was interesting and would like to see more articles about scotland and other developing teams.
Shahid Shah,
Unless we secure adequate funding, we will never have a professional set up in Scotland. The players have been granted three months off before the World Cup, but their employers have been compensated. Right now we play for the love of the game and to represent Scotland with pride.
Complain about this postVextastic,
There is always discussion about weaker teams competing in the world cup and they shouldn't really be there. They said that about Bangladesh but look how much they have improved. Look at what Kenya did in the last World Cup.
The only way for associate countries to improve is by competing against the big guns, and what better experience for us to play Australia in front of a global audience. It's what dreams are made of. There are already more than 1,000 loyal Scotland supporters travelling.
Complain about this postHi Ed,
Of course, we're not expected to beat either Australia or South Africa, but cricket can be an unpredicable game that can throw up different scenarios.
What if we won the toss and sent Australia in to bat on a wet wicket? Australia or South Africa may take us lightly and if we're on top of our game after three months of full-time, professional cricket, then who knows what can happen? We won't die wondering anyway.
Complain about this post'Ben Nevis',
Scotland take their cricket very seriously. We have a small but very loyal and supportive fan base who travel long distances to watch us play, whether it be in Edinburgh, England or Bangladesh.
We are building towards a more professional set up and while we don't have the funding to train full time, players make a lot of sacrifices to represent Scotland.
For example, because of work commitments, players based in Glagsow could not travel though to our training centre in Edinburgh during the week.
What we did was hire a small aluminium hall with no insulation and holes in the roof. It was freezing and wet, but we make the most of what we have during the winter months because we just love playing cricket.
There are coaching structures in place for all regions of Scotland to help develop the game within schools and clubs. If you visit a club during the summer it's not surprising to see more than 100 kids at the junior sessions. The game is flourishing up north.
If we do a 'Rocky Balboa' and beat Australia in the World Cup then we may well secure funding and inspire a new generation of Scottish cricketers to take the game forward.
Complain about this postJames,
The tour to Bangladesh was one of my career highlights. We didn't do well on the field, but we were all humbled by just how friendly the Bangladesh people were.
Even those we were living in poverty would smile and wave as the bus went past. It would have been nice to get out and experience more of Bangladesh, but we were only there for a week and had no spare time at all between training, playing and travelling.
Complain about this postAhmed Hussain,
Bangladesh remind me of Sri Lanka about 20 years ago. Sri Lanka were the whipping boys when they first came onto the scene, but they have now developed into one of the strongest cricket teams in the world.
Bangladesh have been improving rapidly over the last few years. In Aftab Ahmed, Abdur Razzaq, Shahriar Nafees and Mashrafe bin Mortaza they have some of the most exciting and talent young players going around.
I can see them doing really well in the World Cup and surprising a lot of people.
Complain about this postGood article Paul and interesting (and honest)insight into the Scottish international scene. Shame some people appear to have missed the point.
As for people raking through bins looking for food...just wait 'til you get Islay for Christmas!
Vern
PS. If anyone from Islay reads this please be aware that I am joking as Islay, like Bangladesh I'm sure, is a beautiful place with many lovely people.
Complain about this postWell done Paul for replying to the comments here and also for representing Scotland so well over the years.
A couple of other things :
44 Adrian - Scotland won the ICC trophy, which is the one day competition below the world cup, and gave Ireland a bit of a whipping in the final, so it's right that Scotland should be followed. To be honest, Scotland, Ireland, UAE, Holland and Canada are pretty even at the moment.
And quite a few people should realise that the first B in BBC stands for British, so I would expect to see Scottish Cricket reported on the BBC website
Complain about this postWell done the BBC for covering series like this one. Hopefully one or two upsets, or at least close calls, at the World Cup, will help the highest ranked Associates get the publicity and funding they need to develop fully professional setups and make cricket a fully global game.
Complain about this postGood to see you responding to some of the comments Paul. I'm a big fan of the effort you and the rest of the guys put into your cricket considering the dearth of funding thrown your way.
I can only imagine the strides you guys could make if you could play this game professionally instead of working in a call centre during the week.
Best of luck for the World Cricket League, Paul. Work hard over there, keep our nose in front of the Ireland's and Hollands of the world and watch the momentum carry us on to the Carribean.
Australia and South Africa might just get a firght.
Complain about this postAn Indian, a cricket fanatic too, i am glad to know that scotland toured bangladesh, because bangladesh as many of you said reminds us of sri lanka with some good talent coming up and that was a brave learning groud for scots travelling all the way to bangla. for 2 matches, although they lost but i am sure they will be showin better result in the carribean.
P.S: One more thing i would have recommended the Scotland cricket team to play their neighbours regularly, for example If they went to Bangladesh they can easily go to India or Pakistan or Sri Lanka to play with "A" or "B" teams or may be county champions.
Complain about this postFair point Simer.
Wonder if Pakistan or Indai would fancy allowing Scotland in to their domestic cricket tournaments, similar to the way the WIndies have foreign A teams competing? highly unlikley I know, but you can always dream!!
Complain about this postJack, YOU'RE not that important. Type it ten times.
Complain about this postJust caught up with the commentary string on 'Hoffies' Blog from the tour against the Tigers.
As a 'kilted cobber', absolutely rapt at the progress the Scots are making - long way to go but getting there! In the '99 World Cup the Scots kept the Aussies honest (I was there) - and they have come on from there. Aussie that day showed way too much arrogance and no enjoyment. Fortunately recovered later in the tournament.
For the disparaging comments on the Scots cricket (what did John say - please put it back on - I need a laugh) get a grip. Cricket needs to grow internationally. And remember - for much of the so called golden eras of Aussie & English cricket decades ago there were ONLY 2 Test sides playing - the growth of the other former struggling nations has made the game. You may have heard of some of them - South Africa, West Indies, Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Sri Lanka - hell, most have won World Cups!!
We in Scotland (& my friends south of the Cheviots) can dream of such!
Go, Scots!! Go, Aussie!!
John B
Complain about this postMerry Christmas cane toad boy. Enjoy the delights of Islay!!!
I enjoyed the line in your blog about getting plenty of experience from the tour was that in the cricketing sense or in first aid ? I hope Ryan Watson is on the road to recovery.
Complain about this postJohn B
Great to hear from you. It certainly is a long road ahead but we're going to enjoy the journey, especially with the support of the mighty Eaglesham AFC.
I truly admire the Scottish supporters who turn up to our April / May games at the Grange in biting cold wind and driving rain. We're on, then we're off, but the support still stay.
Complain about this posttwinklesportbilly
Ryan had great first aid in Bangladesh. We were very well looked after for the whole tour. We only had to worry about our cricket, but unfortunately we weren't good enough.
Bangladesh are a very professional unit and we'll need to improve a hell of a lot to be competitive against them come March in the WC warm up ficture. However, with all the cricket we play beforehand, I'm confident we will put on a better show.
Ryan has an operation today and will probably miss our game against UAE in Sharjah in early January.
Speaking of Cane Toads, the Maroons were terrific this year. It takes me back to the glory days of Greg Downling, Sam Backo, Author Beetson, The King, Gene Miles, Big Mal...
Complain about this postTo be fair, Scottish cricket is really quite guff. It isn't run very well, and has very little in the way of prospects for the future.
I am looking forward to Scotland's opening game of the World Cup against Australia, as i have a sizeable bet on Australia scoring over 400 runs.
Complain about this postIn that case Scott i can only pray that Scotland bat first...
Complain about this postA very interesting blog there and a real insight to life in Bangladesh. I've followed their fortunes closely since they toured England in 2005 and especially after they beat Australia. their opening batsman, Nafees if I recall his name correctly, seems to have real potential to be a world class batsman.
It's a shame Scotland won't be playing in the national 1 day league next season, IMO that may not help them in the long term. Hope Watson is ok, he seems to be a regularly good performer.
Complain about this postThanks Paul - keep flying the flag and good luck to all in the tour party. Try and see some of the country - it's not all bandits and bullets.
And for the doubters in the blog camp, ask them what happened when the all conquering West Indies lost to Ireland thirty years ago. As you say, any game can throw up an unexpected result because it is a new contest starting from zero.
Complain about this postGo on the Scots!! I am English living in Japan which is a very non-cricket nation where we have to put down mats on a gravel pitch to play. Not fun.
Complain about this postThe blog is great and I am avidly watching the Scots progress, more so because I have to buy some Scotland cricketing tops for some Scots here as a result of them getting into the World Cup.
Cricket is a world wide sport and if people complain about the blog, well don't read it and the take time to complain. Seems a waste of time. Find something you want to read about instead.
Again, come on you Scots and keep up the reports Paul.
I like hearing the experiences of people who play sport at any level especially when they are trying to better themselves in the playing sense. I'm a Yorkshirman so I know how to be unpopular amongst English cricket fans. I wont go quite as far as cheering for Scotland buit at least they are playing the game for the right reasons as opposed to Australia who's only claim to fame is sporting prowess and adhere to win at all costs and in any way possible ethics. No I am not a sore loser but remember all the antics that mass appealing and badgering of umpires, leaves ataste as bad as accusing England of cheating when they failed to find a way of beating us during bodyline tour. Australia is only sporting when they get things their own way.
Complain about this postHey Paul, I m a Bangladeshi and the way u have described our country is simply awful.We r not that poor as it seems(specially the capital city dhaka).U said it took 2 hrs to reach the mirpur ground with a police escort!!!...man u can exaggerate stuff.Anyways not most sleep beside the street,its very few and u cant find a bus with people on the roof(maybe in remote areas).So next time u post something about any country,please write with decency.
Rezwan n Asif thanks for writing the comments which were simply false n horrible about our country.
Thank You Mr. Paul
Complain about this postn please visit Bangladesh in future.We would always welcome u.
Great article Hoffy! Good luck in Kenya and the World Cup!
Complain about this postWith all due respect to the Bangladesh nationals who have replied with venom about Mr Hoffman's observation's in Dhaka, sometimes you need to be realistic. Having spent 7 weeks in both Dhaka and Chittagong with England on tour, I personally find his comments spot on. Thats the reality of it. Maybe not exactly to the point but certainly not wide of the mark and not worthy of the 'Our country is a holiday destination jingo' that has been received. C'mon guys get real. Or shall we all just live in a dream world?
Complain about this postexcllent post Paul
I will be out in St kitts for the Holland and SA games with thousands of over scots and caanot wait mate so best of luck
I find some of the comments on here from England fans rather baffling and quite rude.I thought cricket was meant to be a forum for manners and good cross referencing of ideas
I have watched England in India and WI and just love the game
Complain about this postWow it has been a few days since I posted my comments and the trash talk (Yankee for bs I guess) amazes me.
Why belittle Scotland and its players?
In the late 1960s a part-time Irish side bowled out a West Indies XI for 25 and that team had these players playing that day:
Camacho, Butcher, Lloyd, Shepherd, Findlay and Shillingford to name a few.
Yes the Lloyd was Clive Hubert Lloyd. The same man who went on later to much "greater" things.
More recently at Fatullah Bangladesh came within a whisker of beating the Aussies but for a dropped catch that allowed Ponting to see them through.
BTW many a famous Aussie has come a long way from playing for some non-descript side out in outback country.
Spare a thought for those who are not gifted with multi million dollar sponsorship deals, lush grassy gounds with sightscreens, and top class equipment but still play the game because they love it.
Complain about this postto be fair when you scots actually win something in cricket terms ( apart from the fair-play award- given to the the most useless team of the competition) then you can talk about no supposting england, but whilst u are apart of the united kindom, show some patriotism and get behind your fellow islanders in the ashes!
Complain about this postGo bangladesh!!!!!!!!!!!
Complain about this postDear mr. Paul Hoffmann ,
Complain about this postI really don't know what these lines were ment for in a cricket tour report! "Thousands of people cram the streets, most sleep rough on the side of the road with a single sheet and open flame.
We saw children and dogs scouring through rubbish tips for food and buses that were so overcrowded people ending up sitting on the roof."
I would like to know your educational background before writing any more about your report. By way your cricket was worse than these lines of yours.
By the way, I was sitting in the next box to your upporters.And I'm supprised to find you have not lebeled my country as a fundamentalist one after the security people did not allow your supporters to drink alcohol in public.
No offence, but this article is a joke. While you did give credit to Bangladesh for comprehensively beating Scotland, why all that comment on Bangladesh's poverty? Sure, it's not the richest or most fortunate countries out there, but they do their best with what they've got.
The plain truth is you guys lost, admit it and talk about what's in the future for this Scottish team. Don't go on criticising the country that welcomed you so graciously. Ultimately, to them you're match practise, but for you it's an opportunity to play a better team.
Anyway, good luck to Scotland next time. Hopefully you'll put up a better display.
Complain about this postThanks Mr. Dew, I was just asking for decency. Cheers.
Complain about this postThe Major and Dew need to get a life. Mr Hoffmann was more complementary about Bangladesh cricket than in any other article I have read. Everyone bags their cricket, but Mr Hoffmann has given some valuable insight as to how much they have improved.
This is a blog, so it's not meant to be a cricket article as such, it's more a diary of the tour and the experiences from the tour. The Scottish team enjoyed the tour and we're very impressed by the hospitality.
Complain about this postMr C Window,
Complain about this postI never said any thing about the cricket part. I was talking about the part I sure you understand. If I need a life then that is, but I was asking for decency in your mates writing.
Cheers.