The Bangladesh team management may decide to change its decision of playing eight batsmen against Australia on Monday after struggling to defend a huge total of 305 runs against England in the 2017 Champions Trophy opener, informed Tigers captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza.
The match against the Aussies will be a do-or-die encounter for Bangladesh as the Tigers bid to remain in the hunt for a place in the semi-finals of the flagship ICC event.
It was learned from sources that off-spinner Mehedi Hasan Miraz is likely to replace Imrul Kayes in the playing XI on Monday.
“I think obviously we have to think about the team combination for [Monday's] game. We were able to score 300 with eight batsman so why can’t we do that with seven batters at the same time? We have think what type of difficulties we are likely to face if we don’t play five bowlers. Given the type of wicket here, I hope the batsmen will be able to put up a big score so we can think about playing an extra bowler in the line-up. I believe our bowling attack has the ability to restrict any team as we have already spoken to our batsmen. Let's see,” Mashrafe told the media on Sunday.
Mashrafe said he is confident of his side's prospects against the Aussies, despite the formidable line-up of the opposition.
“Yes, we're playing good cricket. But you know, overseas, we have to improve a little more. Yes, we are learning, and hopefully we'll cope with all the pressure [Monday]. We will try to deliver our best,” said Mashrafe.
“Whatever I say, we have to calculate a bit more, which areas we need to do a little bit more like batting, scoring 30 extra runs. If we can score 30 extra runs that will really help the team,” he added.
The Tigers have only ever beaten Australia once, in 2005 in Cardiff, and Mashrafe is the only survivor from that Bangladesh squad. When asked if Bangladesh can repeat that historic performance, Mashrafe said anything can happen on a given day.
“Yes, Cardiff happened 12 years back. Obviously [Monday] is a new day and it has been a good memory for us. Obviously the best teams are going to play [Monday] and we are confident enough to play against them. We will try our level best,” said Mashrafe.
“I can remember, only I got [Adam] Gilchrist out, that's what I can remember. It was a great memory for us and for me as well. That's what I can remember. But the team have changed. The team are playing good cricket now. So let's see what happens,” he added.
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