Friday 6 March 2015 15:28, UK
Scotland are hoping a little break from cricket will help them claim a historic first World Cup victory against Bangladesh in Nelson.
The Scots spent two days cruising off the coast after their heart-breaking defeat by Afghanistan, where they were condemned to their 11th successive defeat in the tournament, dating back to their debut in 1999.
They have a fully-fit squad, and there could be a chance for Safyaan Sharif to force his way into the side as they look to make the most of their quicker bowling options. He is yet to play in the tournament.
Somerset’s Josh Davey has impressed in taking nine wickets and he will be an important figure if Scotland are to have a chance of victory.
"That Afghanistan game was very difficult to get over," Scotland captain Preston Mommsen said.
"To lose that game was very disappointing for all the 15 players, but we've had a good couple of days' break, clean break from cricket.
"Some of the boys have gone up north, seen some of the beautiful beaches in Nelson and just taken their minds off cricket, came back to training yesterday nice and refreshed, and the boys are ready to go for tomorrow."
Scotland have lost their previous three meetings with Bangladesh – the last was in 2006 - but Mommsen says his side has taken plenty of inspiration from the way Ireland have competed, only losing their unbeaten record against South Africa on Tuesday.
"They were very aggressive in the way they took on the West Indies' bowling attack, and we'll try and represent the associates tomorrow as best we can," he added.
They also have added insight into their fourth opponents with former Bangladesh coach Shane Jurgensen with the team as the consultant.
"It's been good to have Shane on board with the team. He obviously knows all the Bangladeshi players,” Mommsen said.
"He's fully aware of the way that they like to play and the things they do and don't like on the field. He's added some very valuable information and insight into the Bangladeshi team, and we'll be using that hopefully to our strength.”
Bangladesh are bang in contention to reach the quarter-finals and captain Mashrafe Mortaza is confident of beating the Scots as they look to make life even harder for England to qualify.
"We have a great chance to go through to the quarter-final and the boys are really looking forward for that," he said.
"We've got a match against Scotland and if we can play better cricket here, hopefully the confidence we can take into the England match."
They have only utilised 11 players in two games so far – the third against Australia was washed out – but could bring in an extra spinner, depending on conditions at Saxton Oval – Taijul Islam and Arafat Sunny are possible inclusions.
Watch coverage of Scotland's clash with Bangladesh on Sky Sports World Cup from 9:00pm.
