WADE WORRY

Tasmanian could be forced out

CAPTAIN Steve Smith has cast doubt over wicketkeeper Matthew Wade’s chances of playing in the second Test against Bangladesh today. Peter Handscomb took the gloves for Australia’s final training session in Chittagong.

The odds are shortening for a change behind the stumps as pressure mounts on Australia to take some gambles to save the series against Bangladesh.

Due to incessant rain, Austra- lia will not name a side until the toss and all options remain on the table. The forecast is for rain and thunderstorms for all five days.

Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim said his side was treating Australia’s selection uncertainty as a moral victory.

Tasmanian Wade, left, did not train yesterday, not unusual the day before a Test, but the sight of Handscomb keeping to throw- downs from Brad Haddin in the indoor nets means Australia is fully prepared to pull a major surprise.

There was thoughtful discussion between Handscomb and

then later Smith with national selector Trevor Hohns.

Wet conditions have left Australia with no choice but to go on an all-out attack to take 20 wickets at rapid pace if it is to save face, meaning either four bowlers plus all-rounder Hilton Cartwright or five specialists looms large.

But skipper Smith is demanding more from the man behind the stumps.

“We have got Petey here who can keep and that will give us the option to play another spinner or another batter; whatever we want to do,” Smith said.

“We certainly have that option there if we want to take it.

“It certainly would be a tough call. I think when we are looking at Matty we just need a little bit more from him with the bat in particular.

“It’ll just depend which way we want to go on the balance of the team.”

There has been conjecture back home about whether losing to ninth-ranked Bangladesh and risking dropping to No. 6 in the Test rankings is a disaster.

Smith yesterday conceded his team was embarrassed by its performance with the bat and must shape up.

“Obviously last week didn’t go to plan and we’re all hurting after the game and a bit embarrassed about our performance,” said Smith.

“We’ve got to turn it around this week and start playing some good cricket.”