Bashar wary of Canada

There are still concerns over Mashrafe Mortaza © AFP

Habibul Bashar expects a tough test from Canada when Bangladesh play their second tri-series match in Antigua and also revealed that there are lingered fitness concerns around key strike bowler Mashrafe Mortaza.

"Mortaza had a minor foot injury before the last match and was rested," Basher told tigercricket.com. "That problem is gone but he is now complaining of back-pain. The physio feels it is not anything too serious but we have to wait and see whether he'll be available to face Canada."

Basher said his team won't underestimate the Canadians. "We haven't had a chance to watch [them] in action but from the information I have received they seem like a decent side," he added. "Gus Logie [Bermuda 's coach] told me that he thinks this Canadian team is better than the one that appeared in the 2003 World Cup.

"Also, they have won a practice game here against Antigua where they chased 231 with five wickets and more than seven overs to spare. Bermuda were okay but I believe Canada will be stronger."

Bashar said the return of Shahadat Hossain, Bangladesh's quickest bowler, is one certain change to their line-up for the second match, but he thought the team did well in all departments against Bermuda.

"We were playing without our two main fast bowlers [Mortaza and Shahadat] but the others did not do a bad job. The wickets here are excellent for batting and there is not much turn for the spinners so the bowlers did well in checking the runs. All the batsmen looked in good touch too."