Nairobi, Oct 4: Not long ago, Sri Lanka, or Ceylon as they were known then, were often likened to the West Indies in terms of batsmanship, as they brought the same carefree approach to their cricket. They have come a long way since then, and have become a professional outfit, capable of sustained performance against the best opposition, especially in the one-day version of cricket.

The match against England is Bangladesh's big opportunity to prove itself worthy of its full Test status. During the last World Cup, India's eastern neighbour proved a better, more match-tough combination than Scotland, though popular opinion favoured the British team.

The surprise of World Cup 2000 was the Bangladesh victory over Pakistan, a result that is received with some incredulity. The Pakistani captain did not add the credibility of that match when expressed pleasure at the success of "our brothers.'

A cricket-crazy nation, Bangladesh has left no stone unturned in recent years to elevate its cricket to international standards. From the results so far achieved, it is difficult to find justification for these efforts, so few and far between have the successes been. It is highly unlikely that the present team has the resources in it to topple England in their quest for a place in the sun and in the ICC knockout.

For England, the match will afford valuable match practice in conditions similar to what obtain in the Indian subcontinent. The captain Nasser Hussain in his new role as ODI opener, will relish the opportunity to knock up a few runs and put the nightmare of last season behind him.

Andrew Flintoff is another player who can use the practice, and so can Mark Alleyne, whose career has not really taken off as promised. Marcus Trescothick is one young man who has been consistency personified. The England spinners could profit from the slowness of the wickets, though in the first two matches, the wicket has aided seam to some extent.

Bangladesh will need a miracle to prevail over England.