Smith admits he nicked it but survives review against Bangladesh
Steve Smith survived a tense caught-behind review during Australia’s first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin, despite admitting he thought he had edged the ball.
Steve Smith survived a tense caught-behind review during Australia’s first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin, despite admitting he thought he had edged the ball.
Hasan Mahmud produced a career-best Test performance in Darwin, taking 6 for 55 as Bangladesh bowled Australia out for 198 on the opening day of the first Test.
Bangladesh finished the opening day of the first Test against Australia in Darwin in a strong position after Hasan Mahmud’s sensational six-wicket haul and a composed reply from the top order.
Australia captain Pat Cummins has refused to buy into predictions that the first Test against Bangladesh could be over within three days, insisting that the visitors will provide a strong challenge in Darwin.
Bangladesh are set to face Australia in a Test series after 23 years, with most of their current players having little or no experience of playing Test cricket in Australian conditions.
Bangladesh have received a major boost ahead of the first Test against Australia, with experienced wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das declared 100% fit and likely to feature in the playing XI in Darwin.
Australia on Wednesday opted for Josh Hazlewood ahead of fellow quick Scott Boland for the first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin, while veteran spinner Nathan Lyon returned after a long-term injury.
Bangladesh pacer Shoriful Islam will miss the first Test against Australia due to a hamstring injury but is expected to join the squad ahead of the second Test, according to a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) source.
Australia's ageing team begin a demanding run of potentially 21 Tests in 12 months when they face Bangladesh this week, with their injury-prone "Big Four" bowling attack reunited once again.
Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed believes the team’s recent ODI series victory over Australia has given them valuable confidence ahead of Test battles against the mighty Aussies, while acknowledging the challenge of playing away from home.
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has backed Cameron Green to make his mark in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, while stressing that the all-rounder’s role will ultimately be determined by his performances.
Australia opener Travis Head has refused to read too much into Bangladesh’s heavy defeat in their only warm-up game ahead of the Test series, insisting the visitors will be focused on Thursday’s opening Test rather than their poor preparation-match result.