Murali can reach another milestone - says Akram

Chris Dhambarage reporting from Bangladesh

CRICKET: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram today predicted that Muttiah Muralitharan could pick up over one thousand five hundred international wickets after the Sri Lankan off spinner captured a matchbag of nine wickets in the first test at the Divisional Stadium in Chittagong.

Akram who retired after claiming 919 wickets in both tests and one day internationals is currently touring Bangladesh with the ESPN commentary team.

The left arm paceman said that he has no regrets for quitting the game before taking one thousand international wickets and hoped that Muralitharan will soon reach another milestone in his illustrious career.

The legendary fast bowler said that Sri Lanka's success in the first test did not come as a surprise but was quite happy the manner Bangladesh batted specially in the first innings.

He commended the performances of Kumar Sangakkara and Michael van Dort who batted well in the second innings despite the pressure. Akram said that wicket keeper batsman Sangakkara has been the most impressive in the Sri Lankan camp during the three match one day series which Sri Lanka won 2-1 and in the first test match played in Chittagong.

Akram said that Sangakkara is one his favourite batsmen because of his attitude towards the game. "He is now in very good touch and he could once again be the danger man for Bangladesh in the second test".

Akram was also impressed with the batting of young Michael van Dort who made a half century in the Sri Lankan second innings. But Akram said that van Dort still needs a lot of improvement as the left hander struggled against the spinners even after reaching his half century.

Meanwhile the Sri Lankan team arrived in Bogra today after staying overnight in Dhaka as they enjoyed an extra rest day following their emphatic eight wicket victory in the first test.

Skipper Mahela Jayawardena and his team along with coach Tom Moody had a light training session in the evening at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogra.

In fact this ground situated around 230 kilo metres away from the capital Dhaka will be hosting their inaugural test match.

The Lankans have already baptized the Chittagong Divisional Stadium when they played the first test match there and certainly they will quite happy to play two successive test matches at two completely new venues.

Skipper Mahela Jayawardena said that "the entire team is in good shape and are confident of putting up a repeat performance.

He said that the weather here in Bogra is similar to Chittagong where the temperature could rise to a maximum of 36 celceus.

Jayawardena also said that he has not had any luck with the toss so far in the series and hoped that he could win his first toss as official captain at least in the second test match which gets underway here on Wednesday".

Bogra, Bangladesh, Monday