Jason Gillespie has a word of advice for the Aussies ahead of Bangladesh tour

The last time Bangladesh played a Test match against the mighty Australians, during the latter’s tour of Bangladesh back in 2006, former fast bowler Jason Gillespie scored a double-century in the second match of the series, and his last Test.

While another Australia tour of Bangladesh is fast approaching, Gillespie has told the touring side to embrace the unique experience of playing in the subcontinent. Though there still looms a cloud of uncertainty over the series because of the ongoing pay dispute between Cricket Australia and Australian Cricketers Association. Unless there is headway in the slowly progressing discussion, the series looks in doubt.

However, the Adelaide Strikers coach, who himself cherishes his time in Bangladesh, urges the Australians to do the same in the subcontinent, if the series takes place. “I’m looking forward to seeing them go out there and have a wonderful tour of Bangladesh,” Gillespie told cricket.com.au.

This will also be a debut in Bangladesh for each player of the Australian squad.

“It’s a great place to play cricket, the crowds are fanatical, the public is right behind their side and they’re very respectful of other teams. (The fans) love Australian players. They’ll have wonderful time there and really enjoy,” Gillespie said.

The plan for the series

The Australians are scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on August 18 before playing their sole warm-up fixture in Fatullah four days later. The first Test will be played in Dhaka on August 27, followed by the second Test to be played in Chittagong on September 4.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a 29-member massive preliminary squad for their next two international assignments against Australia (home) and South Africa (away) respectively. The visitors named their 13-man squad for the Qantas tour of Bangladesh a week ago, with captain Steve Smith and deputy David Warner among 11 players who featured in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in India earlier this year.

The Bangladesh squad came together on July 10 for a training camp to begin preparations for Australia’s arrival. However, Shakib Al Hasan sustained an ankle injury during the process, but he is likely to recover by the time the series commences.