DHAKA: Bangladesh have loose the toss and were invited by Sri Lanka to bat first in the first test match at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.

Bangladesh have went into the match with three pacers in the form of Robiul Islam, Rubel Hossain and Al Amin Hossain.

Sri Lanka also entered into the match with three pacers in the form of Angelo Mathews, Shaminda Eranga and Suranga Lakmal.

Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews refused to underestimate Bangladesh.

The tourists are four positions superior in the International Cricket Council`s Test match rankings - and have beaten Bangladesh 13 times in 14 attempts.

"We may have won in the past, but we still need to go hard at them. Bangladesh will always be tough to beat at home. They have improved a lot in recent years. We need to play good cricket to win. We are certainly not going to take them lightly," said Mathews.

Host all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, meanwhile, is looking forward to a solid contest between the sub-continental rivals - in conditions that are likely to suit the spin bowlers.

"The game is between two Asian teams so a spin-friendly pitch may not help much. We now have the experience to play good cricket against any team," added Al Hasan.

Bangladesh have recalled opener Imrul Kayes, while batsman Shamsur Rahman. The Sri Lankans, meanwhile, have included Ajantha Mendis and uncapped fast bowler Vishwa Fernando.

Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Shamsur Rahman, Marshall Ayub, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (capt & wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Nasir Hossain, Sohag Gazi, Robiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Al Amin Hossain.

Sri Lanka: 1 Kaushal Silva, 2 Dimuth Karunaratne, 3 Kumar Sangakkara, 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Kithuruwan Vithanage, 6 Angelo Mathews (capt), 7 Dinesh Chandimal (wk), 8 Dilruwan Perera, 9 Shaminda Eranga, 10 Rangana Herath, 11 Suranga Lakmal.

BDST: 0923 HRS, JAN 27, 2014