Testing time for Bangla again

They eventually lost 2-1 but after wins over India and Australia in the past two seasons, they have shown their capability of springing the odd surprise in the one-day form of the game. But they have yet to turn the tables on any big team in Tests, having lost 35 of their matches, 24 by innings margins. Their only win was against Zimbabwe and they have yet to save a Test against Sri Lanka after five away matches.

Murali approaches a new milestone

Chittagong: Muttiah Muralitharan plays his 100th Test match when the visitors meet Bangladesh in the first Test on Tuesday, but that might not be the only milestone he reaches. The off-spinner needs only five wickets to become the first player to chalk up 1,000 Test and ODI wickets. He is also six wickets shy of becoming only the second player after Australia’s Shane Warne to take 600 Test wickets. “You never know when it will come,” he said of reaching 600 Test wickets. “I always try to bowl my best and try to help my team win. If it comes it comes, otherwise it will take another series.” He will become the second Sri Lankan after former captain Sanath Jayasuria, and the 36th cricketer in the world, to make 100 Test appearances. (Reuters)