Aussies decline to play practice match

The two-day practice game between Australia and the BCB XI is uncertain after the visiting side told the BCB that they prefer regular training sessions instead of the warm-up match. It is understood that the Australia team management has already informed of their decision to the BCB through a letter on Saturday evening. Before going into the two-match Test series against host Bangladesh starting from Sunday, the Aussies were scheduled to play a two-day game on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, it is understood that Australia team management found logistical complications in the alternative venues after the initial venue for the game, Fatullah’s Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium, was hit by severe waterlogging problem. It is understood that the visiting side are not comfortable with the travel time as Fatullah is located almost 35kms from the Australia team hotel DHAKA TRIBUNE/Md ManikThe Fatullah issue emerged due to heavy rainfall over Dhaka in recent weeks. The BCB proposed three alternate venues to Cricket Australia – Sylhet, BKSP and University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh ground, located in central Dhaka. It took only moments for Sylhet to get ruled out of contention and ULAB ground to fall at the bottom of the list, considering vital facts, thus leaving BKSP as the only option. The Australia delegation visited BSKP on Saturday to inspect facilities for the practice game.

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Also read: Fatullah uncertain as venue for Australia practice match

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It is understood that the visiting side are not comfortable with the travel time as the venue is located almost 35kms from the Australia team hotel. The BCB however, was confident of hosting the game in Fatullah, informed its CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury to Dhaka Tribune on Saturday. “The venue for the practice game is still undecided. We are hoping to have the match in Fatullah as the venue will have no issues if there is no rain,” said Nizamuddin. The second Test between the two teams will start from September 4. The Aussies are scheduled to leave Bangladesh on September 9.