After completing the press conference on arrival at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Zimbabwe head coach Heath Streak asked this reporter: "Bhalo acho? [How are you?]".

The former Bangladesh bowling coach seemed to be enjoying bonding in the familiar atmosphere where he spent two years upon his first visit since quitting the job in 2016.

Streak was welcomed back warmly by the Bangladeshi cricketers and shared hugs all around before being invited into the Tigers' dressing room by Mushfiqur Rahim during a training session yesterday.

Streak did not renew his contract with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), opting instead to apply for the post of head coach at the BCCI's National Academy, before joining Zimbabwe in October last year.

Although he left Bangladesh, the 43-year-old did follow their performances since leaving the job.

"It's nice to be back. [It's like my] Home away from home. Having spent two years here not too long ago, it felt like just the other day that I was here. We're looking forward to playing a good tri-series here with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

"I have followed Bangladesh quite a bit. A lot of them are good friends of mine – Mashrafe [Bin Mortaza], Mustafiz [ur Rahman] and Taskin [Ahmed]. I spent a lot of time coaching Rubel [Hossain]. I followed how they were performing after I left," Streak told reporters yesterday.

According to Streak, who was bowling coach when current Sri Lanka head coach Chandika Hathurusingha was in charge of the Tigers, the tri-series will be a challenge.

Streak said that while the 3-2 series win in Sri Lanka in July last year would boost his side's confidence; he added that Zimababwe were underdogs and still have a long way to go.

When asked if Hathurusingha's resignation had surprised him, Streak said: "I wasn't here but at the end of the day Chandika is a Sri Lankan. The opportunity to coach your own country is always a big thing. I am sure if a Bangladeshi coach in another country was offered the opportunity to coach his own country, it would be hard to turn down that opportunity."

"I think Chandika did a really good job. People shouldn't forget the success they had under him. While he did sign a three-year contract, it's difficult because he lives in Australia and his family are there. Coaching is difficult when you are away from your family for extended periods of time. Everyone aspires to coach their own country.

When it came to the topic of the matches, Zimbabwe skipper Graeme Cremer believed fielding would make the difference.

"I think it is too close to call. Each team has their way of playing one-day cricket and all three teams have good spinners. I think it will come down to which team fields the best. Each team, on their day, can beat the others. It will be a very good tri-series."

He also added that the return of wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon Taylor and pacer Kyle Jarvis would add experience to the team.

Although Zimbabwe's scheduled tour game ahead of the series was cancelled due to the team's late arrival, Cremer opined that it will not affect his side's preparation, adding that the experience of playing in the Bangladesh Premier League would also help the players.