Bengaluru: Following a disappointing loss to their Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand, Australia will look to get back to winning ways when they take on Bangladesh in their World T20 tie at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, on Monday.
The Aussies take on the beleaguered Asian side who have been laid low by a loss to Pakistan in their opener followed by suspension of spinner Arafat Sunny and pacer Taskin Ahmed for suspect bowling action. A defeat to either team could potentially spell end to their hopes of a knockout spot.
While Saqlain Sajib and Shuvagata Hom come in as replacement, it is unlikely that the duo will be match fit even if they were to play against Australia. With Mustafizur Rahman still not at 100 per cent, captain Mashrafe Mortaza revealed that their hands have been tied with the suspension.
“We are very upset with the decision. We still believe that Taskin is alright. These two bowlers have done very well for us. It is a big blow,” said the captain.
“Mustafizur is getting better. Even if he is 20 per cent fit, he has to play, we don’t have any options. We still don’t know about Saqlain and Shuvagata. The two replacements are capable. But someone who is in form in international cricket, and someone who is coming into international cricket — these are two different things,” he added before saying that they will follow the due process on the suspension after deliberation with their cricket board.
On a positive note, the presence of coach Chanika Hathurusingha in their camp, who had a coaching stint in New South Wales, is a bonus feels Mortaza.
“Obviously, we will be seeking a lot of tips from him. The plans are there but the main thing is to execute them.” With the Bengaluru wicket unlikely to be the sort of turning track that has dominated the World Cup, it will be interesting to see how both the sides set up.
With the two replacement players for Bangladesh being spinners, it shows which direction the Asians are moving towards while for Australia it remains to be seen if they will continue with Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa.
