The Sri Lankan-born Australian opted not to talk to individuals during the morning nets or in the afternoon's fielding session. Rather the high-profile former Sri Lanka coach preferred to let the 20 enthusiastic aspirants express themselves on the opening day of the Australia bound national team's residential camp.

Although it was not as tough a day's workout as was anticipated, Whatmore's training style nevertheless was refreshingly different. Staring from uniformity in the training kit of every member of the team to intensive nets side by side on four lively wickets, everything reflected the job of a true professional who believes in deeds not words.

"I do not like to talk at length. It is sometimes boring," said Whatmore after being pressed hard by the reporters about his first day's experience.

Except for captain Khaled Mahmud none of the other players were given permission by Whatmore to speak to the press.

"It is exciting to practice under a famed coach. His way of coaching is different and he seemed a very easy going person," said Mahmud who led Bangladesh in the TVS Cup tri-series and home series against South Africa two months ago. He also marveled at the unique concept of nets on four wickets side by side. "I am experiencing something like this for the first time in my long career," said Mahmud.

Whatmore said that he was keen to concentrate on individual skills of the players during the first five days.

"I want to see what a player is capable of."

For the batsmen, Whatmore singled out one objective: "It is very important for the them to know where their off stump is."

Whatmore also displayed his passion for technology when he employed former national wicketkeeper Nasir Ahmed, who is the computer analyst of the team, to film the entire day's training session.

In the afternoon four cricketers -- Habibul Bashar, Al-Shahriar, Javed Omar and Sanwar Hossain were scheduled to meet the coach as part of a five-day interview programme where Whatmore will talk to each of the 20 players one to one.

Whatmore, who led Sri Lanka to World Cup glory in 1996, has been entrusted with changing the fortunes of the Test babes, who have been performing badly since becoming a full member of the ICC.

But his work is cut out as in his very first mission he has to take Bangladesh on a tour of Australia next month. A 15-member Bangladesh team will fly down under on June 22 following their three-week training.