Bangladesh looks to impress in Tests

Bangladesh showed they still have a way to go before they can compete in the Test format when they played Pakistan and India after the World Cup. They lost against Pakistan and drew a weather-affected series against India.

However, their stunning comeback in the ODI series - winning 2-1 after a crushing loss in the first match - could see the team carry that form into their two-Test seires, the first of which starts at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Tuesday.

"(Test cricket) is a different format but the way we came back against South Africa in the ODI series is a testament of our progress," Bangladesh test captain Mushfiqur Rahim said.

"Our players have been in good rhythm and so it's our best opportunity."

Bangladesh had won four successive ODI series over the past eight months following a first-ever appearance in the World Cup quarterfinals. But their Test statistics are dismal.

They have played 91 tests, winning just seven - all against Zimbabwe and a second-string West Indies side in 2009.

"To achieve anything is a big challenge," Mushfiqur said.

"We have done so well in the one-day cricket, the new challenge for us is to replicate that in the tests."

Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha urged his players to be unfazed by the South African pace attack, which will be bolstered by the presence of Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander.

"We want to play aggressive cricket, believe in ourselves. We have to play big moments intelligently as well," Hathurusingha said.