It was in Darwin in 2003 when the immediate past Bangladesh skipper bowled one over in a Test match and afterwards he never used his occasional spin. However, he had to come forward to lend his support to his helpless successor on another miserable day.

Mohammad Ashraful did everything by using all his eight bowling options but nothing could have stopped the Sri Lankan run machine as the home team piled 577-6 before declaring, the highest Test total against Bangladesh so far.

"I enjoyed bowling, but not the day. In the beginning of my career I started as an all-rounder because I bowled regularly in domestic circuit. And after a long break, I bowled a few overs (8) today but the overall feeling is not good. It's really frustrating that number seven and eight batsmen scored hundreds," said Bashar, whose 29.1 overs in one-day internationals has brought him just one scalp, none other than West Indies great Brian Lara in 1999.

The 34-year old most successful Bangladesh Test batsman believe that the match was over and now what can they do to bat through out the third day.

"What can we do now is to bat throughout the third day or more and I think it would be great if we can do so. If we want to handle Muralidaran then the top order should bat sensibly. The encouraging thing is that the wicket is still good for batting," observed Bashar.

Ashraful also echoed with his predecessor's sentiment and said that it would not be impossible to bat for a whole day.

"We have nothing to lose but we can get back our confidence by batting throughout the third day. I need a good start to handle Murali in the second innings," said Bangladesh's new skipper.

It was understandable from one comment of Sri Lankan left-arm pacer Chaminda Vaas, who hit his maiden Test hundred in 97 matches, how poor the Tigers were in the match.

"Bangladesh players should put their heads down. You can't throw your wicket at this level. They should concentrate more at this level otherwise this kind of show will happen time and again. But I still believe Bangladesh are an improving side and are in a learning process," Vaas said.

"I thought today was the day to get my deserved Test hundred. I was waiting for this day for long because I batted well for the last couple of years. And you know getting hundred in Test cricket is always important and exciting for any cricketer. And I got the opportunity today," said the 33-year old.

On the other hand, Prasanna Jayawardene with whom Vaas made a record breaking 223 for the seventh wicket said that his domestic and A team performances were inspirational.

"I worked hard, that was the key behind my success. I played well in domestic competition and A matches, which helped me a lot. These days, a wicketkeeper must contribute as a batsman," Prasanna told.