Australia ready for the Bangladesh challenge, warns Peter Handscomb
However, the first Test remains slightly doubtful because the ground is still swamped.
Australia batsman Peter Handscomb has issued a strong statement ahead of the Bangladesh series. The Aussies will be playing a Test series in Bangladesh after a gap of 11 long years, but Peter Handscomb believes it would not be much of a problem. The right handed batsman claimed that the Kangaroos are ready to face the Tigers on 27th August in the first of the two-match Test series.
The scheduled practice match between Australia and Bangladesh Cricket Board XI got cancel due to flooding but Handscomb mentioned that the boys are prepared even without that. However, the first Test remains slightly doubtful because the ground is still swamped. The BCB have suggested alternate venues if things do not get better at Mirpur but the Aussies are not willing to agree to last minute changes due to security concerns in the country.
The Australians were scheduled to play a Test series in the nation in October 2015 but the series was called off because of a chain of attacks by Islamic terrorists in Bangladesh which is ruled by Muslims. After getting the confirmation of intense security from the BCB, Cricket Australia decided to tour Bangladesh this year.
What Handscomb had to say:
“I don’t think we will be going into that first Test cold, regardless whether the tour match goes ahead or not,” Handscomb told reporters.
“We had a great preparation up in Darwin. We managed to play an intra-squad three-day game there. I think everyone got what they needed out of it.” he added.
“I actually don’t think it is a bad thing as well, going into the subcontinent with an open mind,” he said.
“I think if you haven’t played too many games in the subcontinent, you are not too worried about what the ball might do. You can play with a bit more freedom rather than going in with the expectations that the ball will do everything,” Handscomb stated.
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