Bangladesh, who are still awaiting their first Test victory, will play Sri Lanka, officially ranked the third best team in the world, in a two-Test series in July and August.

Sri Lanka will act as hosts and the series will also include three limited-overs internationals.

Mohsin Kamal, a former Pakistani pace bowler, will guide the tourists on his first assignment abroad since replacing Australian Trevor Chappell as coach.

Kamal, the fourth coach hired by Bangladesh in as many years, took 24 wickets in nine tests and 21 wickets in 19 one-day internationals during the 1980s.

Bangladesh, a nation obsessed by cricket, have suffered 10 defgeats in the 11 Tests they have played since their inaugural match in Dhaka against India in November 2000.

On that occasion, they hit 400 in their first innings against India, but folded in their seocnd innings and lost by nine wickets.

Tour programme:

July 12-14: Morotuwa, three-day match against Sri Lanka 'A'

July 16-18: Colombo, three-day match against Sri Lanka Board President's XI

July 21-25: Colombo, first Test

July 28-Aug 1: Colombo, second Test

Aug 4: Colombo, first one-day international

Aug 5: Colombo, second one-day international

Aug 7: Colombo, third one-day international