Ashraful out to rewrite history

Shakib Al Hasan was the all-round star performer for Bangladesh in the first Test

Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful believes his team are capable of securing a historic first Test win over a major Test nation when the second Test against New Zealand begins in Mirpur on Saturday.

The Tigers have shown themselves to be an even match for their more-fancied opponents during a tour in which they have already registered a maiden one-day international triumph.

That win came in the opening match of the tour and, while they went on to lose the series 2-1, Ashraful's confidence in his side seems well-founded after they held the upper hand for the majority of the first Test in Chittagong.

However, it was another case of missed opportunities for Bangladesh as New Zealand reeled in the target - a record run-chase for the Black Caps on foreign soil - with three wickets to spare.

Ashraful nevertheless claims there is much for his team to be enthused about, especially the efforts of 21-year-old all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who put Bangladesh in control with figures of 7-36 in the first innings before adding 71 second-innings runs.

"We still have a lot of positives from the first Test as we bowled and batted well but couldn't finish it off," Ashraful said.

"We have the talent to win the second Test. The pitch will support our bowlers."

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori took the majority of the plaudits for his side's win after he contributed 76 to the second-innings run chase, having taken nine wickets.

And Ashraful admitted that if his side are to claim victory at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, they will have to find a way to blunt the influence of his opposition skipper.

Daniel Vettori led New Zealand home with three wickets left

"He (Vettori) was the difference in the first Test and we will have to find ways to get him early," he said.

Ashraful also expressed his determination to improve his own form with the bat after contributing just two runs in Chittagong. That return followed a rash shot in the final one-day international that resulted in Ashraful issuing a public apology for his mode of dismissal.

"I know people were angry with me but it doesn't irritate me because this is reality," he said.

"They support me when I do well, so I would like to have some support when I don't do well. Hopefully there will be a turnaround."

Bangladesh's hopes received a boost today when New Zealand all-rounder Jacob Oram was ruled out of the second Test with a back injury.

Oram's absence could prove crucial after he played a starring role, in conjunction with Vettori, as New Zealand fought back to win the one-day series.

New Zealand coach John Bracewell is hoping some of his other bowlers will be able to step up and fill the breach.

"Vettori needs more support and it's something we're working through, getting experience into the other bowlers, trying to build their skills," he said.

Bracewell was content with his team's battling qualities in coming from behind to win the opening Test, but he warned the result may inspire the hosts to claim a historic win.

"They may have seen it (the first Test defeat) as an opportunity lost, not an opportunity that's going to destroy them," said Bracewell.

"They may say 'we're getting close' and take the optimistic line."