Siddons believes Bangladesh is an improved team

Bangladesh Cricket Coach Jamie Siddons said his side is an improved and mature than the one that last toured New Zealand in 2007-08.

Bangladesh will open their tour with a T20 international against New Zealand in Hamilton tomorrow night. Siddons said, "We are still a young side but just starting to show real signs that we are improving".

Australian Siddons had his contract extended to next year's World Cup after Bangladesh won their first test series overseas in the West Indies last year. He confirmed that main attacking bowler Mashrafe Mortaza would not make the trip to New Zealand as he is suffering from fever.