Published: Mar 31, 2014, 01:20 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 31, 2014, 01:21 PM (IST)
By Nishad Pai Vaidya
Mirpur: Mar 31, 2014
Australia were considered to be one of the favourites at the onset of the ICC World T20 2014, but three defeats have meant that they are heading home and their last game against Bangladesh is a dead rubber. Even Bangladesh are out of the competition and their form has been woeful in the Super 10s.
The last game may be inconsequential, but Shane Watson stressed that his side have to be motivated, “Look we have to be motivated. For me, motivation personally is that I don’t like losing. As a team we don’t like losing.” Thus, the Australians would want to sign off with a victory.”
This being another afternoon game, the team winning the toss would want to bat first. There isn’t much dew in the evening and defending a target may be easier after putting up the total while batting in the afternoon sun.
Australia’s batting was embarrassed in the game against India. Speaking about his team’s overall performance, Watson told the media, “There is no doubt that it has been an extremely disappointing performance. Tonight (India vs Australia) was obviously very disappointing, to lose convincingly, but this whole tournament has been disappointing to be fair. To be in the positions we have been and not to win those games.”
For the game against India, they had dropped James Faulkner and brought in Cameron White, who batted at No 3. However, that move did not work. Perhaps, they may want to make a few changes for this game as well, trying to bring in players who didn’t get much of a hit in this tournament. Brad Hogg could warrant a comeback as this could be his last game for Australia after two fantastic comebacks. While Glenn Maxwell has been impressive, there would be a few others who would want to do well in this game.
George Bailey, Watson and David Warner would be eyeing a good performance to finish the summer on a high. In the bowling, Doug Bollinger has been very good and should lead their attack. It is also interesting to see if they use Brad Hodge’s off-spin in the game.
Bangladesh have many questions to answer as their batting has been abysmal. Tamim Iqbal isn’t performing and that is a huge concern for them. Anamul Haque has been in good touch though. Shakib Al Hasan at No 3 is a good option and then there is Mushfiqur Rahman at No 5. However, Bangladesh may think about bringing in another batsman in place of Shamsur Rahman. Mominul Haque can be given a game if they think fit.
At the same time, Bangladesh may also think about bringing in another spinner in Sohag Gazi, as Australia have struggled against spin. With Abdur Razzak, Shakib and Mahmudullah Riad performing the duties, it may be tough to fit Gazi in, but could be a move to be considered.
Squads:
Bangladesh: Mushfiqur Rahim (c & wk), Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Nasir Hossain, Mominul Haque, Shamsur Rahman, Sabbir Rahman, Sohad Gazi, Mahmudullah Riad, Moashrafe Mortaza, Al-Amin Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Abdur Razzak, Farhad Reza.
Australia: George Bailey (c), David Warner, Aaron Finch, Shane Watson, Brad Hodge, Brad Haddin (wk), James Faulkner, James Muirhead, Doug Bollinger, Mitchell Starc, Daniel Christian, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Brad Hogg, Cameron White.
Time: 15:00 IST | 09:30 GMT
ICC World T20 2014 schedule: Match time table with venue details
ICC World T20 2014 Points Table and Team Standings
(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_44)
