Tamim: Tigers determnined not to fade away

Bangladesh veteran opener Tamim Iqbal says the side is aware that they tend to fade and lose focus at the end of a series, but feels they've done enough this time to make sure they stay in the hunt in the second Test against South Africa.

With the first Test drawn, a first for the Tigers against the Proteas, they're aiming for another first in Dhaka: a win against the number-one ranked side. Tamim says they've been preparing hard ahead of Thursday's start.

He acknowledged that the team has a tendency to end series badly, but told Cricinfo:  "I think it depends on each individual's mindset. It is true that before this year, we haven't been able to achieve anything big.

"But we have done that in one-day cricket this year. Every player is hungry. They want to improve in Tests. We have a lot to improve on and if we get tired mentally, it will affect our performance.

"The physiotherapist and trainer are working closely with us. They try different types of training every day, so that nobody gets tired. We now enjoy training and team meetings.

"I think that if we are enjoying what we are learning, it gives you better results."

He added of the final hurdle before a well-deserved break: "We have a considerable break after this game, we all know that. We also know that the remaining match is against the No. 1 Test team in the world.

"We have to perform in all departments if we are to have a good result. We have to play at our best. We have to execute our plans. We cannot leave anything to chance because we are playing against the No. 1 side. Starting well will be important, with the bat and ball."