Australia host Bangladesh in the first of a two-Test series, to be played at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin from Thursday, August 13. Australia have announced their full-strength side for this series even though the Bangladeshis appear ill-prepared. The visiting side recently played a three-day tour game against a Cricket Australia XI last week, and were humbled by an innings and 38 runs. Therefore, what the Bangla Tigers will bring to the fore against the senior Australia team is anybody’s guess. Although captain Najmul Hossain Shanto will be expected to lead from the front, it is the recall of senior batter and pace-bowling all-rounder Soumya Sarkar that has made the most headlines for Bangladesh.
Sarkar was ostensibly recalled to the team for his ability to play express pace, and a lot will be expected from him when he faces the likes of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim and top-order batter Mominul Haque are the others in the Bangladesh squad who will take the responsibility of playing long innings. For Australia, spinner Nathan Lyon will also pose major challenges to the Bangladeshi batters. He will be expected to come after the introduction of their famous three-pronged pace attack of Cummins, Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Steven Smith, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne will handle the batting department and aim to out-bat the Bangladeshis in every innings.
Predicted Teams
AUS: Jake Weatherald, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
BAN: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Soumya Sarkar, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud.
Key Players
Steven Smith (AUS): Former Australia captain Steven Smith is among the best batters in this format in the world. Known for his unorthodox approach at the crease, Smith can be a gutsy customer who just does not give in, or give up. The New South Welshman is an excellent driver of the ball, and therefore, the Bangladeshi bowlers must be careful when pitching the ball up to him. Smith functions at his best when his back is to the wall.
Mominul Haque (BAN): Mominul Haque is among the most talented and experienced batters in this Bangladesh lineup. The southpaw, despite being diminutive, possesses excellent technique and hand-eye coordination. This allows him to use his feet well against both seamers and pacers and get to the pitch of the ball. Haque will be expected to bat at number three on this tour. Therefore, he will have to be prepared for a barrage of bouncers and yorkers coming his way from the fearsome Australian fast bowling unit.
Match Prediction
Australia are the overwhelming favourites to win this match. Bangladesh are yet to win a Test in Australia despite having played four matches in this format already. The biggest fact going against the Bangla Tigers is that they have not played regular bilateral cricket against the Kangaroos. Ever since their introduction as a Test nation in 2000, Bangladesh have played just three bilateral series against Australia, one at home and two Down Under. They will capitulate under the might of the Aussies.
