Bangladesh look to avoid mismatch (Preview)

Monday’s encounter turned out to be no show as far as Bangladesh was concerned as Shane Watson hurricane blew them away. It was a classic case of opposition having no answer to once in a life onslaught from the batsman. Bangladesh looked hapless as Watson heroics that saw him hit fifteen sixes and as many fours finished the chase in a blink.

Bangladesh’s only piece of joy came during their batting effort with out of form wicketkeeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim hitting a classy 81 but Watson’s mega show overshadowed his innings as it would have done on most of the occasions.

Perennial problem with Bangladesh is that fact they can’t string a good show in all three departments in one game.  And, they are too much reliant on their spinners and if conditions don’t favour them Bangladesh looks an average team.  Bangladesh need to come out of this one dimensional reliance and need to get every aspect of their game in if they were to compete with big boys at this level.

With first two proving to be a lop-sided affair, Bangladesh will be keen to put up a fighting performance in the last match. For that to happen they need to apply themselves which they haven’t been able to do so far in the series. Starts have been wasted by the batsmen leading to a poor batting display and bowlers have been off the line and length to let Australian batsmen to score freely.

Changes are likely to make for the Wednesday match which would mean that likes of Alok Kapali after a four hiatus from the game and all rounder Mashrefe Murtaza are likely to get a game. Young all-rounder Shuvagoto Hom might also be handed his first ODI cap tomorrow.

For Australia, their first series under new captain Michael Clarke, the series has been refreshing so far as most of the players have performed brilliantly with Watson’s innings making it a memorable one.

Australia will have a long break once Bangladesh tour is over and with series already won; team management might be mulling to give some youngsters a go. Fast bowler James Pattinson and wicket keeper Tim Paine might well be part of playing eleven tomorrow.

Team management would be aware of the fact that underestimating opposition feeling factor might creep into the minds of their players and would be reminding boys of its ill-effects.  This said and done, Australian players would be, as usual, ruthless on the field despite the game reduced to academic interest only.

Way Australians are playing another one-sided encounter is expected but Bangladesh would be keen to avoid the mismatch and give a good account of themselves.

Bangladesh Squad

Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Tamim Iqbal (vice-capt), Mashrefe Mortaza, Imrul Kayes, Shahriyar Nafees, Raqibul Hasan, Alok Kapali, Shuvagoto Hom, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Abdur Razzak, Sohrawardi Shuvo, Rubel Hossian and Shafi-ul Islam

Australian Squad

Michael Clarke (capt), Shane Watson, Brad Haddin (wk), Ricky Ponting, Cameron White, Mike Hussey, Callum Ferguson, Tim Paine (wk), Steve Smith, Mitchell Johnson, John Hastings, Brett Lee, Xavier Doherty, James Pattinson