"The team that wins the toss and chooses to bat first might establish control over match as the first two days will promise a lot of runs," observed Khokon, the curator of MA Aziz Stadium, ahead of the second Test starting on October 26.

"Even the pace bowlers would not be able to get any assistance during this time. The wicket will only take a little turn on the third day while the fourth and fifth day will definitely belong to the bowlers," said Khokon adding that this wicket would be similar in nature like the one in Dhaka.

"Maybe the only difference will a slight change in bounce," said the curator.

Bangladesh suffered an embarrassing innings and 99-run defeat in the first Test against the Black Caps. The match turned into a no-contest after Dav Whatmore's boys lost three wickets on the first morning and eventually were bowled out for 177. But observes feel that had the batters applied themselves then a score of 250 to 300 was possible. It would have made the game interesting because Stephen Fleming's side would have had to bat on the third and fourth day in difficult conditions.

Meanwhile, the Tigers spent four hours in the nets at the country's second Test venue.

As the players trained all eyes however were on two local boys of the port city -- Nafees Iqbal and Aftab Ahmed.

Nafees, who narrowly missed a half-century on debut in the second innings of the Dhaka Test, said that he was keen to make up for the mistake.

"I know this wicket better than anybody else and I want to leave my mark in front of fans here," said the 20-year-old opener.

Another Chittagong boy Aftab, who got his first Test call-up, said that he was excited at prospect of playing on the big stage provided he is in the final eleven.

"I have been included in the squad and if given a chance to play I'll try to cement my place," said Aftab, who got the nod after Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar was forced to withdraw from the 13-member squad due to a thumb injury.