Batsmen Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kyes are likely to open proceedings for the Tigers. But the No 3 position remains uncertain for the home side as there are two good quality players vying for that position.@BCBtigers practice session at SBNCS before the first test against Australia pic.twitter.com/nlodGYpGnK
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) August 26, 2017
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Recently Imrul informed that he has been practising at No 3 in training and that he is trying to adapt to his new role. Left-hander Mominul Haque batted at No 3 for Bangladesh in the last few years but his recent run of form initially cost him his place in the squad. Although Mominul was included a day after his exclusion, the No 3 position is likely to be occupied by Imrul, as preferred by head coach Chandika Hathurusingha. In the Tigers’ last Test, against Sri Lanka back in March this year, youngster Mosaddek Hossain batted at No 3. But Mosaddek has been ruled out of the series due to eye infection so the Tigers camp could include Nasir Hossain in that position.
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The inclusion of Nasir could add more spinning options for Bangladesh as off-spinner can prove to be handy, considering Australia have plenty of left-handers in their batting line-up. Weather could play a crucial part as forecasts suggest rain in the upcoming days. Rain could affect the game as the pitch might change its behavior after short or heavy shower. “It is hard to predict what will happen with regards to the Mirpur pitch. The weather condition is quite different in this time of the year. But it is the same for both teams. We will have a better idea of what it will be like. How we apply ourselves will be more important,” said Tigers Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim during the pre-match press conference in Mirpur on Saturday. “We can talk about the wicket at the end of the Test. It was tough to prepare the wicket because of all the rain. The first innings will be crucial, whether we are batting or bowling.” he added.
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In contrast, Smith has already announced their playing XI on Saturday. Australia will play two specialist spinners with the experienced Nathan Lyon leading the spin attack alongside left-arm spinner Ashton Agar. Another notable inclusion is the return of top-order batsman Usman Khawaja after seven months.
MAXI'S VIDEO BLOG: Some very funny stuff here from a couple of Australia's fan favourites: https://t.co/6Oyijr5TXg pic.twitter.com/A5QOLjppzk— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) August 26, 2017Khawaja, who hasn't played a match at any level since January, will slot in at No 3 with Smith moving down to No 4. Seamers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins will lead the seam battery while Warner and Matthew Renshaw will face the new ball.
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Australia will drop down to sixth in the ICC Test ranking if they lose or even draw the series. But Smith said his team are not bothered about the drop in ranking and that they are eager to face the challenge against Bangladesh. “Not really thinking about rankling. For me it’s just about ensuring that our processes are right going in to each game taking ball-by-ball as such. It’s gonna be an exciting series. It’s been 11 years since we last played here. I am very excited about the series,” said Smith. Toss could be an important factor as well as both the captains will look to bat first. Generally the Mirpur pitch becomes more spin friendly as the game goes on so both the teams will try to avoid batting in the fourth innings.Australia XI: Steve Smith (c), David Warner, Matthew Renshaw, Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Wade, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon and Josh HazlewoodBangladesh XI: Mushfiqur Rahim (c), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Shakib al Hasan, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Sabbir Rahman, Nasir Hossain, Taskin Ahmed/Shafiul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman and Taijul Islam PLAYERS TO WATCHMehedi Hasan MirazOff-spinner, Bangladesh