Zimbabwe are no strangers to Bangladesh. They've fought the Tigers many times in this part of the world over the years.  They are back with a new team and a new sense of purpose. Their only goal is to get back to playing their best under the red ball.

In the press conference before the first Test in Sylhet, Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine was very sure of himself.  Ervine said that the upcoming series will be a new start and a good learning curve, especially for the younger members of the team, since they have been having trouble with the longest format lately.

“I understand that we haven't had a great run in Test cricket. I think this is the first year that we've actually got a lot of test cricket lined up for us. So I think it's really exciting with the amount of Test cricket that you're going to play, and you can get some continuity with so many Test games coming up. So looking forward to these two test series, I think, with the group that you've got. I don't have a lot of experience in Bangladesh, but I think it's a young group where you need to go and play in different conditions to mature as a cricketer. And I think the group that you've got, I think, will mature over time, and especially with the opposition we have over the next few months. I think it's really exciting for them to get that exposure,” said Ervine.

When asked about the mindset he expects from his players, Ervine was clear — he wants his side to play without fear. “Now that we're playing in Bangladesh conditions, it's something that guys aren’t particularly familiar with. But so a lot of the preparation that you do, I think, is what gives you the confidence to go out and express yourself. And more importantly, I think just enjoy playing Test cricket in different conditions and embracing those challenges.”

With Zimbabwe in a rebuilding phase, Ervine believes this series is an ideal platform for the emerging talent in his team. “I think the young players, it's a great opportunity for them, I think in Test cricket, especially. And I think this series is another good opportunity for that. I think Test cricket is always the toughest format, I think, to play just because of the mental strength that you need in order to succeed. But I think the younger group will certainly take a lot of confidence when you do come out to Bangladesh and actually put some performances together.”

Zimbabwe will also be banking on experienced pacer Blessing Muzarabani, who Ervine described as a "genuine asset." “I think Blessing is an exceptional bowler, and it's always really exciting to see him hit his straps, and hopefully, he does that in these Two tests.”

Despite Bangladesh’s recent home Test struggles, Ervine isn't reading too much into his opponents’ form. His focus is firmly on Zimbabwe’s own game plan. “I don't think we've particularly looked at Bangladesh’s form. I think for us, it's about working on our processes. I think working on what our strengths are and then trying to utilize that, I think, with the conditions that we're given. So obviously, looking to tomorrow, there might possibly be a bit of assistance for the seamers, and it's just trying to utilize those conditions in that particular moment. So that you can gain some momentum.”

Ervine also expressed belief that his squad has what it takes to surprise Bangladesh on their own turf. “There's always been a lot of rivalry, I think, between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. And I think is being in Bangladesh is obviously possibly slightly tough for maybe for Zimbabwe, but we always feel like we have a chance. I think with the group of players that we have now, I certainly think that we can pose a decent threat.”