The famed Sri Lankan-born Australian said that he was keen to spend the next five days together with his new charges in the tranquil surroundings of the country's lone sports institute in Savar.

Although he did not elaborate, but one thing is for sure the workout promises to be much more strenuous than what our cricketers had experienced in the last two years under former Pakistan Test paceman Mohsin Kamal.

"I want to use the five nights with the boys at the BKSP as an opportunity to get to know a lot of things. It will also be a chance for them to prove themselves individually," said Whatmore at the Bangabandhu National Stadium before leaving with the 20-member preliminary Bangladesh squad for Savar.

Whatmore has been entrusted with changing the fortunes of the Test babes, who have been performing poorly for too long. But he could expect a stern test when Bangladesh tour Australia later this month.

While elaborating on his three-week camp before Bangladesh go down under on June 22 to play two Tests and three one-day internationals, Whatmore said his first job would be to identify the team's weak areas.

"In the first week I hope to identify the weaknesses of every player. Besides, during the week I will have one-on-one interviews," he said adding that it will help him to formulate the final squad.

"And I expect within two weeks to have an idea on which players will be going to Australia," said Whatmore.

When asked whether he had been give the necessary logistical support as sought by him during his visit last month, Whatmore responded negatively.

"I wanted a home for Bangladesh cricketers. It would be a home containing a ground, a good practice wicket, a gym inside, a swimming pool next to the ground and good accommodation. I don't think I will get it right at the moment, but may be in the next few months," he said.

All the players except Shahriar Hossain and Moniruzzaman reported at the Bangabandhu National Stadium. The two cricketers were playing in a crucial National Championship match at Comilla. Both players later proceeded to the BKSP as soon as the game between Bangladesh Biman and Narayanganj was over.

Al Shahriar, who was ignored for the home series against South Africa, wanted to take full advantage of his call up to the national team after the right-handed opener was dropped for a poor World Cup.

"It is true the axe fell on me because of my poor batting in the World Cup. But now I want to turn it around. My first goal is to get into the final squad and then work hard to cement my place in the team for the next five years," said Al-Shahriar.

While Al-Shahriar was raring to go, former Bangladesh captain Khaled Mashud was reluctant to say much. Mashud who has been in the headlines for many reasons only told reporters that he wants to reclaim his position as the number one wicketkeeper in the country.

"I'm now a relieved man without the burden of captaincy. So I will now focus all my energy on raising my performance as a player," he said.