The visitors will also be a part of a small piece of history as a Test match in England probably starting on Friday for the first time instead of a traditional Thursday start. The organisers here have done this in an effort to draw more TV viewers. Besides, they have also arranged onfield entertainment with some hundred girls to get ready for a physical display during breaks at the 17,000-capacity ground.

But the Tigers, who announced a 13-member squad for the second and final Test, will desperately look to improve on their performance after a forgettable first match at Lord's.

The bad news is that England has announced an unchanged side with Steve Harmison raring to give 110 per cent on his home ground. Besides, England will also cheer the 100th Test match of their left-handed batsman Graham Thorpe.

For Bangladesh Rajin Saleh is set to make a return after 16-year-old Mushfiqur Rahim twisted his left-ankle on Thursday morning and was declared unavailable for the game.

The team management is also likely to regain the services of experienced paceman Tapash Baisya, who passed a late fitness test. In that event young Shahadat Hossain, who made his debut at Lord's, will be dropped.

Shadat was most expensive among the Bangladesh bowlers, conceding 108 runs in his 12 overs.

This is the second time Bangladesh is playing at this ground after the 1999 World Cup match against Australia. This is also the second Test match here after Zimbabwe played in June last year and lost by an innings and 69 runs.

Faruque Ahmed, who was a playing member of that team and now the chief selector, said that it would be tough for his team to survive on this wicket.

"I have seen the wicket and it was green compared to a graying turf when we played here six years ago," said Faruque.

He also said that there was some moisture underneath it and the ball would certainly do a bit.

The ground wore a grim look with clouds hanging over it and the sun has not shone for the last couple of days.