Dhaka, Aug 22 (UNB) - The national cricketers began their rigorous training today (Sunday) ahead of the five-match ODI home series against New Zealand that will begin next month.

The Bengal tigers, determined to show signs of improvement in all departments during the New Zealand series, underwent four hours of training on the opening day under coach Jamie Siddons and newly appointed fielding coach Julian Fountain at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium (SBNS) in the afternoon.

Talking to the reporters at SBNS after the training, captain Mashrafee Bin Mortaza said: “We are giving more emphasis on fielding as our fielding side is quite weak.”

Replying to a question, he said: “Hope our team’s improvement will be seen in the New Zealand series.”

About the new fielding coach Julian Fountain, Mashrefee said that his technique is outstanding.

Meanwhile, opener Tamim Iqbal said he would go to Australia within a few days for check-up as he has been experiencing lingering pain in his wrist following an injury he sustained last year.

Asked about his target in the home series against New Zealand, the opening batsman replied: “To improve more in batting.”

The English fielding coach Julien Fountain said “Team’s improvement will not be seen on a day, but it will be gradually improved.”

Twenty-five cricketers, except all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, took part in the training. Shakib is currently playing for Worcestershire in English county cricket.

Earlier, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a 26-member preliminary squad for the upcoming New Zealand series.

Preliminary squad: Mashrafe Mortaza, Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Junaid Siddique, Imrul Kayes, Mohammad Ashraful, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Abdur Razzak, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Jahurul Islam, Raqibul Hasan, Naeem Islam, Nazmul Hossain, Syed Rasel, Shahadat Hossain, Faisal Hossain, Nazimuddin, Shahriar Nafees, Mahbubul Alam, Dolar Mahmud, Mohammad Sohrawardy, Robiul Islam, Shamsur Rahman and Sahagir Hossain.