A lot of time has passed since Bangladesh and Australia have taken each other on in the longest format of the game but that is put to bed on Sunday when the two sides meet in the first of two Tests in Dhaka.
Bangladesh are an improving force in this format of the game while the general consensus is that Australia are vulnerable in these conditions so this is an intriguing contest.
Bangladesh
Since these two last met in Test cricket, Bangladesh have improved alarmingly. The players who took them into Test cricket have largely dispersed and a better quality of player has come through. They have more skills to their side and their mentality is a lot stronger too and they are no longer a pushover.
They rely on a diet of spin bowling but there is no harm in that. They play with a passion and an enthusiasm which should be applauded and generally there is a warm glow in watching them. This is the first time they have a genuine chance to beat Australia in this format and it will be interesting to see if that affects them mentally.
Australia
I don’t think we are quite there yet but we are not actually far away from Australia having nothing to lose in this series and being able to play with freedom. As it is the pressure still remains on them and it will be interesting to see how they go about their work. All eyes will be on their batsmen to see if they can cope.
In many ways this is a strange series for Australia because they can’t really win from it. If they win that is what they were expected to do and if they lose they will be ridiculed and with The Ashes to come they certainly won’t want that to happen. That will ensure there is a focus about them but will that be enough?
Team News
Shakib-al-Hasan will be playing his 50th Test match here which is a good achievement. Mushfiqur Rahim is expected to keep wicket so Liton Das will miss out for the home side.
Steve Smith has hinted that Ashton Agar and Usman Khawaja are likely to come into the side. They will have the pressure on them to deliver in the goods in the absence of more established players.
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Betting
I’m not going to go too mad for this match because rain is forecast on each day which is not ideal and obviously there are plenty of unknowns about the series too. That leaves me with one bet.
That is the performance of Nathan Lyon. The line is 92.5 which is not a lot for a pretty good quality off-spinner in conditions which will suit turn and against a side who have plenty of left handers. Four wickets and a half-decent innings will be enough to cover this as will five wickets and I expect him to deliver those.
Tips
WON – Back N.Lyon’s Performance – Over 92.5pts for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Paddy Power
Back him here:
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