Australia did not do all that well in their last game against New Zealand and if rained had not intervened, they would in all likelihood have lost the game. But that was not to be. The Australians were lucky to escape with a draw as the match was washed off.
Bangladesh on the other hand did well to make a 300+ score against England. But their bowling never looked threatening as England chased down the Bangladesh score without breaking a sweat, losing only 2 wickets in the process. Bangladesh were completely outclassed by a far superior team.
This game should be an easy win for Australia, who would fancy their chances against Bangladesh 10 times out of 10. Australia will want a big win to get their campaign off the ground, and we would be very surprised if they don’t just do that.
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The only issue of concern with the Australians is the pay dispute they have with their cricket board, with the players threatening to boycott next year’s Ashes against England if their demands are not met. But Australia should focus on this match and not get distracted by non-cricketing issues.
For Bangladesh, the batting looks fine with the likes of Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim doing well. They will want a better performance from Soumya Sarkar and Imrul Kayes but batting should not worry them.
Their bowling on the other hand is distinctly harmless and unthreatening. Captain Mashrafe Mortaza remembered the last time Bangladesh beat Australia in a big match – it was over 12 years ago and he wants a repeat performance. But that’s easier said than done.
Mortaza said in a press conference held last evening: “Yes, Cardiff – 12 years back. Obviously, tomorrow is a new day and it has been a good memory for us. We are confident enough to play against them. We will try our level best.
“I can remember only that I got Gilchrist out – and in the night time we were driven in a limousine. It was a great memory for us, especially for me, in this team. That’s what I can remember. But the team has changed. The team is playing good cricket now. So let’s see what happens.”
Unfortunately, Mortaza is one of the reasons why Bangladesh look so ordinary. His bowling is very much military medium pace and he just does not look international class. His team seems to be carrying him, and they can scarcely afford that. His presence in the team is depriving them of a better attacking threat.
The Teams
Australia: 1 David Warner, 2 Aaron Finch, 3 Steven Smith (capt), 4 Moises Henriques/Chris Lynn, 5 Glenn Maxwell, 6 Travis Head, 7 Matthew Wade (wk), 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 & 10 John Hastings/Adam Zampa/Pat Cummins, 11 Josh Hazlewood
Bangladesh: 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Soumya Sarkar, 3 Sabbir Rahman, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5 Mahmudullah, 6 Shakib Al Hasan, 7 Mosaddek Hossain, 8 Mehedi Hasan, 9 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 10 Rubel Hossain, 11 Mustafizur Rahman
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