Bangladesh have come a long way since 2006, when they were severely thrashed by Australia’s Jason Gillespie who notched an unbeaten double-century. Over the past year they have recorded win against Sri Lanka and England in Test cricket. Now when Australia will square off against Bangladesh, they would face a more resilient and talented side. Bangladesh have been equally ahead in the shorter formats especially in Champions Trophy where they reached the semi-final stage. However, Michael Hussey who built a mammoth 320-run stand along with Gillespie in 2006 feels Bangladesh will be a challenge on turning tracks. Habibul Bashar who is currently the selector of Bangladesh squad expressed similar sentiments.
Speaking on the challenges that Australia would have to face, Hussey told cricket.com.au, “It’ll be a good series, a really challenging series for Australia. Bangladesh play their conditions well and they’ve improved a lot. They’ve got a lot more belief now. They have been challenging some of the best teams around the world. If you believe you can compete and win, that’s half the battle in international cricket. For many years I don’t think they really had that belief. And they’ve got players in their squad now who have been around for long periods of time, so they understand their own games a lot better.” Bashar took cues from 108-run win against England last year. “There is a difference between now and then, as this current side has already established themselves as a big force in world cricket,” Bashar told The Daily Star.
“Difference in experience, difference in number of match-winners … difference in the reality that the team has the world’s No.1 all-rounder (Shakib Al Hasan) in their arsenal. Their home win against England has simply changed the whole scenario. They were trying to find their footing (in 2006); now in 2017 winning is their only motto,” Bashar concluded.
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