Aussies eye a better show
london — Australia would expect a better show from their bowlers when they clash with the ever-improving Bangladesh in a Group A ICC Champions Trophy match at the Kennington Oval on Monday.
The Australian bowlers received severe thrashing at the hands of the New Zealand batsmen in their previous game before rain intervened and the match was abandoned.
It was the first ODI tie for Mitchell Starc since February while Josh Hazlewood had also only one warm-up game under his belt in a similar period. The rust was clearly visible and the fancied team would be hoping that the attack puts in a sharper performance on Monday. Because of the lackluster performance, the Kiwis put on board 291 in 45 overs, though they were in a great position to score better.
The Australian batsmen too struggled when they were set a revised target of 235 in 33 overs, managing only 53 for three in nine overs which were possible.
Their top-order surrendered before the Kiwi bowlers, who exploited the conditions well.
On the other hand, Bangladesh may not have won their first match against England but their batting was impressive. Tamim Iqbal and former captain Mahmudullah led the batting but the bowlers could not complement the good work as England chased the down the challenging 306-run target with ease.
Joe Root was all class in his in his unbeaten 133-run knock that never gave Bangladesh any chance to score an upset win. Australia will have to put up a better show since Bangladesh are no more the Asian minnows and in white ball cricket, they have emerged as a strong force. It won’t be a surprise if they dominate the Australian bowlers and their own bowlers too are capable of springing a surprise.
The fact that one more defeat will almost block Bangladesh’s road to semifinals, the ‘Tigers’ are expected to give their all in the contest. — PTI