"You can't get anything better than batting in the middle. Batting in the nets is one thing but batting in a game really tests a player," said Whatmore to The Daily Star Sport while watching the game between Partex Group and BEXIMCO at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

The 50-year-old Sri Lankan born Australian, who has already been in charge of the Tigers for a year, will be hoping that Bangladesh play their best cricket in the Caribbean if they are to come anywhere near of achieving their first Test victory.

"They (West Indies) might have had a bad Test series against England but you should remember that they are a very good side with some world-class players. So, we have to play our best against them for a good series next month," said Whatmore.

A 15-member Bangladesh team led by Habibul Bashar will set off for the West Indies on May 6 to play three one-day internationals and two Tests on their maiden trip.

The launching of the CCL provided a boost for cricketers after the no-show of Dhaka clubs in the Premier League this season.

Although many termed the meet involving top business houses as an event that lacked the same passion and competitive edge, which was only seen in the coveted Premier League, Whatmore however did not want engage in that debate.

"As long as my players can play some cricket I'm happy. The competition also suits my team because the West Indies tour starts with the one-dayers," he said.

Whatmore thought it was inspiring that key players Habibul Bashar, Rajin Saleh, Mohammad Ashraful and Alok Kapali were hitting form at the right time. Besides, fresh recruit Faisal Hossain also impressed him with the bat.

"I'm impressed that some of the boys are using the competition it in right way and have done well that's encouraging," he added.

But the shrewd tactician, who inspired Sri Lanka to World Cup glory in 1996, ruled out the possibility of an extended participation of his boys in the CCL.

Recently some corporate teams had requested the Board to allow the national team players to feature in the meet beyond April 30.

"As far as I'm concerned there is no chance to extend the date. The players must return to the camp by May 1 and spend the last five days together before they fly out," he said.