Published: Aug 17, 2017, 05:51 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 17, 2017, 06:07 PM (IST)
With Australia‘s intra-squad practice match coming to an end, coach Darren Lehmann continues to be tight-lipped when asked about their spin combination for the first Test in Bangladesh. The Australians played a three-day match between Steven Smith’s XI and David Warner’s XI to choose their combination going forward in the subcontinent. The likes of Ashton Agar, Mitchell Swepson and Jon Holland were under the radar. One of three will make it to the Playing XI along with Nathan Lyon. The visitors play the first Test versus Bangladesh at Mirpur (August 27) before summing up the series at Chittagong.
“He [Agar] bowled beautifully today. Obviously he’s on tour, so you’d have to look at that, and obviously Swepson’s there. I thought Holland bowled really well today as well, so we’re starting to get some depth in our spinning department which is important. Obviously we know he’s a quality bowler. At the end of the day, you can only pick 14. He did his selection no harm at all … really pleased for him and his wickets this morning”, Lehmann told Cricbuzz.
Smith can also resort to the likes of Glenn Maxwell for part-time off spin. Australia will be wary of Bangladesh who have upped their game in recent times with maiden Test wins versus England and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh also reached the semi-final of ICC Champions Trophy in June (something Australia failed to do), and will feel confident in front of a rusty Australian side who do not boast a good record in Asia.
