‘We respect Bangladesh but we are not scared’

Afghanistan interim coach Andy Moles said that his team had massive respect for Bangladesh but were not scared of the Tigers.

Speaking to reporters during a press conference, Moles, who only took over as Afghan coach a short while ago, reiterated that he was happy with the work his team put in to prepare for the one-off Test.

"We are under no illusion this is going to be a tough examination of our skills. But we have worked hard. I'm certainly delighted with the attitude and what the players have put in to their game. Now we sit back and see how they go on about their work," Moles said.

Moles said that there was a big 'if' regarding if his young team can perform but at the same time talked about being capable of doing something special.

"We have massive respect for the Bangladesh team and they have played some wonderful cricket team and we are coming very much as the underdogs. Having said that, we are looking forward to the challenge. We are under no illusion that it's going to be easy. But if -- a big if – we can show the right application and we can do the right thing at the right time, then we are capable of doing something special over the next five days."

Bangladesh are expected to use their spin attack to cause problems to Afghanistan after that strategy bore fruits at home against big opponents. Moles was also backing his spinners to do well if the surface helps spinners.

"You've' got a strong spin attack and we have a reasonably good spin attack," he said.

"I don't underestimate the strength of Bangladesh cricket. They are a level above us in terms of cricket. We are not scared of Bangladesh. We respect them but we are not scared of Bangladesh."