Seasonal rains may have hampered the Tigers during their camp, but the team's think-tank was still able to work on their fitness levels.

"Fitness is becoming more and more important. Our focus was on just that during the small window of time we got for preparation," said Whatmore while talking to reporters after the official photo session at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

He was impressed by the techniques introduced by new team trainer Justin Cordy and said the squad had responded enthusiastically to them.

Whatmore's efforts to get his Sri Lanka-bound men into shape, who leave tomorrow for the six-nation regional event beginning on July 16, appears to have been successful as all the cricketers looked slimmer as they have shed a few kilos during the camp mainly held at the BKSP from June 16.

"To achieve maximum results, we focussed on conditioning. We will do the skill part of it in Sri Lanka," said the 50-year-old former Sri Lanka coach ahead of Bangladesh's first tour of the island under him.

Besides, he is relieved that there are no injuries as striker bowler Tapash Baisya managed to give 80 per cent effort on Saturday. The paceman was given rest during yesterday's nets after attending the gym.

After just over one year in charge, Whatmore feels the main weakness the team has is in its mental approach.

"We have been improving after winning one match and running our opponents close on a few occasions. The players have the skill, ability and the tendency to work hard. All they have to do is translate these into a winning habit. I think they are a bit behind in the mental thing and it must come from the head," he opined.

Undaunted by the team's poor fielding show in the Caribbean, Whatmore commented, "No one wants to see them drop catches. But it is a certain area which can be turned in one match. It can happen in Sri Lanka."

He however, was more concerned about the team's batting performance.

"We have to score 250-270 runs. It can come from the top-order or the lower order. But certainly, I would love to see the upper-order do it regularly."

With the prospect of Asia Cup matches being rain-affected, Whatmore said he could use Mohammad Rafique as a pinch-hitter if necessary.

"He is in tremendous form and a Test century in the West Indies has given him more confidence," he added.

Whatmore, who believes spinners will play a big part in the tournament, informed that a Sri Lankan bowling coach will work with the team for two weeks in addition to batting coach Owen Mottau.

He also told that as the Sri Lankan national team and the A team are abroad, Bangladesh's opposition in the three warm-up games would be teams made up of Under-23 and club cricketers.

National captain Habibul Bashar mentioned that he was happy with the squad and the openers.

"Javed is a seasoned batsman and Ashraful has opened in the past. We also have an option to use Manjarul Islam as well," said Bashar who wanted to give some time to the openers to settle.

"Our target would be to win the close matches. We came close on a number of occasions in the recent past but failed to grab them. We had some positives in the West Indies and we want to improve on that."

Bashar who has yet to transform his Test performance to one-day arena, dismissed thoughts of his players lacking big-hitting ability.

"The players were under pressure due to top order failures. We have players who can hit the ball. I believe if a player like (Khaled) Mahmud clicks in the late order, we will do better."

Bangladesh, yet to win a single match in the Asia Cup, will open their campaign against associate members Hong Kong in a group that features reigning champions Pakistan.