Bangladesh's maiden Test against India

Test rookies Bangladesh will play their first ever Test against neighbouring India from November 10, cricket supremo Saber Hossain Chowdhury announced in Dhaka on Tuesday.

"The five-day Test will begin on November 10 and it is a historic event," he told reporters.

"And we are very grateful to the Indian Cricket Board for accepting our invitation."

Chowdhury, the president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, said a preparatory committee would be set up to make the event memorable, although it will be a one-off International Test and not a series.

He said the BCB had contacted England as it was the oldest Test playing country, but because of timing problems England was unable to play the maiden Test.

In New Delhi, Indian cricket chief A.C. Muthiah last week announced India's acceptance of Bangladesh's invitation to play the maiden Test match.

"It's an honour to take part in a historic moment for Bangladesh's cricket," Muthiah said.

He, however said India had refused Bangladesh's offer to take part in a triangular one-day series soon after the inaugural Test.

Chowdhury also said Bangladesh would play a four-day match from October 12 against South Africa's Griqualand West, as well as a day-night and two one-dayers with the South African "A" team between October 18 and 22.

Bangladesh will take on the South Africans after the International Cricket Conference knock-out tournament in Kenya in October. All rounder Naimur Rahman has been named Bangladesh's new captain for the Kenya tournament.

"This is part of the UCBSA's commitment to help BCB with the development of the game in their country," said Ali Bacher, United Cricket Board of South Africa's managing director in a statement issued Tuesday.

As part of a cooperation agreement between the two sides USBSA would send its director for playing affairs and umpiring Brian Basson to Dhaka to conduct umpiring courses, while two other officials would also be in Dhaka "to help stimulate the growth of the game in Bangladesh," BCB officials said.

Chowdhury added that the timely assistance from the UCBSA's would be of great value for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is also expected to sign a similar agreement with Australia, he said.

Mail Cricket Editor