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This article was first published 9 years ago

Bangladesh good opportunity to prepare for England: Raina

Last updated on: May 29, 2014 12:57 IST

Image: Suresh Raina
Photographs: BCCI

Suresh Raina, who will lead a 15-member Indian squad to Bangladesh for a three-match One-Day International series next month, says the upcoming tour is a good opportunity for him to prepare for the tougher challenge of England that follows.

"It will be a good opportunity for me before the England ODI series. I hope I do well (in Bangladesh); then I will go and perform well in the England One-day series also," said Raina.

He, however, admitted that the Bangladesh series will not be easy for his "young team", as the hosts are tough opponents in their backyard.

Also read: Gambhir in squad for England tour; Raina to lead for Bangladesh ODIs

The 27-year-old leads a team devoid of star players, like regular skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, among others.

"Bangladesh is a good team in its home ground. We didn't win in the Asia Cup and we lost the (T20) World Cup final (held there). It will be a challenge for us.

"It is a young team. The good thing is that all the young players have done well.

"Left-arm (spinner) Akshar Patel has done well, (Ambati) Rayudu has done well, Manoj Tiwary has done well, (Wriddhiman) Saha has done well. Especially Robin Uthappa -- he has been performing well in the ongoing IPL," said Raina, on Wednesday.

Stating that a captain is as good as his team, the left-handed batsman said, "It is a good team. I think the captain is not so important, but if you have good players you can win matches."

Raina, currently playing in the IPL, said he hopes to take a few tips from Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming before leaving for Bangladesh.

"I am focusing now on the next two games (of the IPL); then I will have 10-12 days on how to plan things. I hope I will sit with MS (Dhoni) and Flem (Fleming) on how to plan," he revealed.

The three ODIs are in Mirpur, on June 15, 17 and 19.

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