The challenge is on us: Darren Lehmann

The stage is set and the spectators can’t wait for a second more. The drums are about to be beaten in six days time when the mighty Australia take on the spirited and high-flying home side Bangladesh. Though the Bangladeshi team has a mountain in the form of Steve Smith & Co. to climb, Australian head coach Darren Lehmann feels that the challenge is on them.

After two years of speculations, the Australian team has finally arrived in Bangladesh to play a two-match Test series. In the past one year, the security team of Cricket Australia (CA) visited Bangladesh thrice to confirm whether the venue holds a risk of a security breach or not. After getting a green signal from them, the likes of David Warner and Steve Smith have arrived in Bangladesh.

Despite having a very strong lineup, Lehmann feels it will be challenging for them to do well in Asian conditions. “The challenge for us is to win a series away from home. In India, we had three-day games. Sometimes the shorter the match, the more exciting Test match it is in a way,” said Lehmann while interacting with the media.

Bangladesh have got good record at home

The Tigers have performed exceptionally well in the last few years to leave a mark in world cricket. But they are most dangerous in their own happy hunting ground and Boof knows it very well. “They have actually got a really good record at home. They did well against England. Their top order is a key to how they bat. So we have to make early inroads with the new ball. It will spin and probably reverse the way the wicket goes,” said the coach.

Lehmann further acknowledged the strong batting lineup that Bangladesh have. “They have got some quality batsmen all the way down the list,” he signed off.