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Bangladesh suffered a heavy defeat in their only warm-up match ahead of the Test series against Australia, losing to a Cricket Australia XI by an innings and 38 runs in Darwin.
The biggest concern for Bangladesh was their fragile batting. After scoring 263 in the first innings, largely thanks to a century from Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Bangladesh allowed the hosts to make 355 and take a 92-run lead.
Bangladesh’s second innings then collapsed spectacularly. Resuming at 19 for two late on the second day, they added just 35 runs before losing their remaining eight wickets to be bowled out for 54.
Tanzid Hasan Tamim was Bangladesh’s top scorer with 22 off 41 balls. Sadman Islam, Mominul Haque and Miraz each made six, while no other batter reached double figures.
Campbell Thompson was the chief destroyer for the Cricket Australia XI, taking eight wickets for just 25 runs in 11 overs, including two maidens. Bangladesh’s batters offered little resistance against his attack.
The defeat raises concerns about Bangladesh’s readiness for Australia’s conditions, particularly their batting, with the two-Test series now just days away.
There was, however, some positive news regarding left-arm spinner Taijul Islam. The experienced spinner injured his finger while batting on the opening day and was unable to bowl in the first innings, raising doubts over his availability for the first Test.
Bangladesh team physiotherapist Bayezidul Islam said Taijul’s pain and swelling had reduced significantly and expressed optimism that he would recover in time.
“Since sustaining the injury on the first day, Taijul’s pain and swelling have reduced significantly. We still have five days before the first Test and four more days to work on the injury. We are hopeful that he will recover fully and be ready for the first Test,” Bayezidul said.
The first Test between Bangladesh and Australia will begin in Darwin on August 13, with the second Test scheduled to start in Mackay on August 22.
