Courtney Walsh credits Warner and Lyon for series-leveling win

Australia leveled the series in Chittagong with a terrific comeback after the Dhaka Test. Bangladesh’s bowling coach, Courtney Walsh commended Australia for their series-leveling win and rued Bangladesh’s missed opportunity for a first-ever series win over their opponents.

The former Windies bowler conceded that the Australians were relatively consistent and gave a special mention to Nathan Lyon and David Warner, the biggest contributors for the win. Warner ended the series with 251 runs comprising two consecutive Test tons while Lyon became the first Aussie spinner after Shane Warne to become the Man of the Series with 22 wickets under his name.

“We played against them well in here [Dhaka] and in a close Test we came as winners,” Walsh said. “We went to Chittagong with our confidence high but I think the boys will be very disappointed in our performances. It would be nice if we won the series but a draw against a top team (like) Australia…. I think Australia have played really well and we know where it went wrong.”

“If you give a top team a chance, they will take it. You have to give them credit, Nathan Lyon bowled extremely well and David Warner hit back to back Test hundreds. I think it was the difference between the two teams as they were a little bit consistent than us. I think Bangladesh played very well and unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance of winning the series.”

High praise for Fizz 

Because Bangladesh next faces South Africa in an away series, Walsh mentions Mustafizur Rahman as their main seamer to make a huge impact, more than the spinners who unleash their prowess in subcontinental conditions. Despite the loss, Mustafizur’s four wicket haul and overall performance impressed the coach and the team management.

Cricbuzz reported that Walsh said, “Mustafiz bowled well and he showed the aggression and showed good control. I think getting those wickets would give him confidence as well. To get out David Warner twice in the same Test is no mean feat as he is a class player and obviously they play for the same team in the IPL.”

“I am happy with the aggression he showed and control and the serious look on his face and as I said he is a very talented player, he is a special talent and that will give Bangladesh an extra edge that they need to do well. He came out and bowled well not just one spell but a couple of spells together. I am sure he will be happy with that and the team as well as they were looking for the consistency,” he added.