Bangladesh Test team finally got the opportunity to begin their practice after mandatory quarantine in Christchurch on Tuesday. Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo expressed his relief after being able to train after 11 days of quarantine.
The Test contingents were allowed to have their first training session after all cricketers returned negative results in their Covid tests.
Domingo said the players were delighted to come out and train as a group after a long time.
"[We're] Going to be out. Eleven days in the rooms have been pretty challenging for the boys after a long year. So, the boys are happy to be out again in bright sunshine and blue skies and start doing some balls again," said Domingo following the first training session at the Lincoln University Ground, the session featuring team drills along with short net sessions.
The coach further said they will start low-intensity training for the first two days before picking up the intensity level for the two-Test matches.
"Low-intensity practice for the next day or two to make sure guys get accustomed to batting and bowling once again. By the time we get to Tauranga for six days' preparation for two Test matches, hopefully everyone is back up to speed and to prepare for the intensity required for a Test match," added Domingo.
Earlier, quarantine imposed on the Bangladesh squad in New Zealand put the visitors' preparation in disarray, ahead of the first Test that begins on New Year's Day in Mount Maunganui.
This is the second time that the Bangladesh touring party was in quarantine after their spin-bowling coach Rangana Herath had tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday. Eight Bangladesh players, identified as close contacts with another Covid-positive case in their New Zealand-bound flight, were also in isolation.
The visitors then had their fourth RT-PCR test scheduled on Sunday. Everyone tested negative, the tour will go ahead as scheduled, but more Covid-positive cases could be a worrying sign.
After a meeting on Saturday, board president Nazmul Hassan said that they aren't thinking of postponing the tour yet, but are looking to discuss their next course of action if the current in-room quarantine gets extended.
