Australia may enter a transitional phase when they visit Bangladesh in October for two-Test series, but that gives the hosts no guarantee of success, chief selector Faruk Ahmed warned on Thursday.
Bangladesh, who are in great form of late, will fancy their chances against Australia at home after a successful run against Pakistan, India and South Africa.The visitor will arrive on September 28 under new captain Steven Smith with a new-look squad that is sure to miss some seasoned players.
While Michael Clarke and opener Chris Rodgers have retired, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin and all-rounder Shane Watson are also unlikely to make the team.
Their situation is almost similar to Pakistan, who began their life after the World Cup in Bangladesh with Azhar Ali taking the charge of one-day international side from Misbah-ul Haque.
Bangladesh took the full advantage to thrash the inexperienced side 3-0 in ODIs, their first series win over Pakistan.
Although the format is different, yet many believe that the hosts may take the similar advantage against Aussies, beaten in the recent Ashes to England by 3-2.
Faruk was not in that league, however.
‘They are struggling. But you cannot write off Australia team,’ Faruk said speaking to reporters in Mirpur.
‘They have a very good structure. Even their new players are so seasoned to play at the international level that you cannot find in any other team.
‘Even if they come with new players, I don’t think that will create any difference in their strength.’
Faruk was also very pragmatic about the record and prospects of the Tigers whose one-day record has been phenomenal recently but Test record is not that good.
‘If you see our Test statistics, it’s not very enviable.’ said Faruk.
‘It’s true that we are playing good cricket. But to do well in Test we need to wait for a long period, which is what we are working on.
‘You cannot do well sporadically in Tests. It needs time,’ he added.
Faruk however was optimistic about the series and he believed that with the current form and the confidence the team can do well in the forthcoming series.
‘Bangladesh team is in good a position. We have got few experienced player and with the help of them I think our team has the ability to do well against Australia,’ said Faruk.
-With New Age input
