We\\\'ll do better in Tests, says Mashrafe after planting saplings

Bangladesh’s one-day international captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza planted saplings at Ataur Rahman Cricket Academy at Narail during the Eid-ul-Fitr vacation before going to Chittagong. The three-day official Eid holidays ended on Monday morning. The national cricket team is now in Chittagong to play the first match of the two-match Test series against the visiting South Africa. Before leaving Narail for Dhaka, Mashrafe sought blessings from the countrymen and cricket lovers. The ODI captain greeted the nation on the Eid-ul-Fitr after offering Eid prayers at Narail’s Central Eidgah Maidan on Saturday. He went to his ancestral home, Narail, from Dhaka with his wife and children on Friday. The celebrated paceman returned to Dhaka on Sunday and left for the port city. He told reporters on Sunday “The people will inspire us to perform better in all future matches including Tests... if Allah wishes.” Adorned in what appeared to be a beige-gold Panjabi, cap and black sandals, the humble hero went to the Eidgah and offered prayers at the graves of his relatives. He then spoke to his fans and posed for photos. The Tigers' astounding winning streak at home has brought huge praise for Mashrafe as an inspiring and ideal leader. He planted saplings of "kodom flower" as part of the National Tree Plantation Campaign-2015 urging all to strengthen the drive across the country. ‘Himu Paribahan’ organised a reception for him and also the tree plantation programme at Ataur Rahman Cricket Academy, according to a news agency.