MacGill in enemy camp for the Tests

BANGLADESH has set its sights on winning its Tests against Australia and should gain some inside knowledge from former Aussie legspinner Stuart MacGill, according to coach Chandika Hathurusingha.

MacGill is close to joining another Australian, Mark O’Neill, on the Bangladesh backroom staff for the tour by the world No.3-ranked nation.

Australia is due to arrive on August 18 for its first Test series in Bangladesh since 2006. The two Tests will be followed by a Bangladesh tour of South Africa for two Tests and three ODIs in September and October.

Bangladesh is looking to build on a year in which it recorded its maiden Test wins over England and Sri Lanka, before reaching the Champions Trophy semi-final.

“We have made some progress in Test cricket. Now we have the game plan of winning in the subcontinent. We want to win the two Tests against Australia,” Hathurusingha said.

Bangladesh already has former West Indies paceman Courtney Walsh as fast bowling coach. Former WA and NSW allrounder O’Neill has joined as batting consultant and MacGill is set to follow.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has not confirmed the appointment of MacGill, who took 208 wickets in 44 Tests for Australia.

But Hathurusingha insisted he would stay for at least the Australia and South Africa campaigns.

“MacGill is here for three months to see, and if he is happy and the players are benefiting, it will be longterm,” he said.