AUSTRALIA’S TOUR OF BANGLADESH

The Aussies travelled to take on the Bangla tigers in a two test match series, starting on the 27th August. A full strength Australian team shows the credentials of the Bangladeshis rise to power as a test cricketing nation.

The Shakib Show

      Bangladesh’s most accomplished all rounder, Shakib-Al-Hasan took a 10-wicket hall and contributed with the bat a well, on a rank turner against the struggling Aussie batsmen to script a historic, first ever test win against the visitors from down under in 5 attempts by 20 runs. Steve Smith’s side’s worries against the spin seem to continue.

·   Roars of a Lyon


    
      With Nathan Lyon running riot in Chittagong, grabbing 13 wickets in the match, the Australians thrashed the Bangladeshis, levelling the series at 1-1. David Warner notched up his 20^th test century, as Glen Maxwell’s quick-fire 25 not out ended the match on the 4^th day.

Nathan Lyon's match figures of 13/154 are the best by an AUS bowler in a Test since Bruce Reid took 13/148 v ENG at the MCG in 1990 #BANvAUS

— Fox Sports Lab (@FoxSportsLab) September 7, 2017

The first Australian bowler to take 13 wickets in a Test in Asia: Nathan Lyon! https://t.co/7FZOFNN1XD #BANvAUS

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 7, 2017

A tale of two spinners. 

The Asians’ love story with spin friendly pitches seems to go on, sometimes to their advantage, sometimes not. The Oz’s have had some setbacks, but their young talented squad is bound to succeed in the subcontinent. With technically gifted batsmen like Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb and the raw, unorthodox style of Matt Renshaw(similarities to the legend Mathew Hayden are uncanny) in their ranks, this Oz team needs a little time. And as always, leading from the front are the two modern day stalwarts, David Warner and Steve Smith.

As for the Bangladesh, the future seems bright. Consistency seems to be the biggest issue, as is their maturity at times. In Mushfiqur, they have an able, big hearted captain and there is no dearth of talent, whether it is Mustafizur on the bowling front or Mominul on the batting.

Amidst all the cricketing action, there was no lack of the mind games and sledging. Aussies, as usual, take it in their stride to mentally dominate their opponents, but the Bangla Tigers proved an adequate opponent on that front, with Mushfiqur and Shakib coming out in the press, condemning the visitors’ attitude.

Two good test matches, albeit spin dominated, but the art of test match is still very much alive.