Bangladesh search for an upset
Bangladesh hope to expose Australia's lack of match practice in the first ODI in Darwin
Match facts
![]()
| ||
Start time 9.30am (local)
The Big Picture
It was originally supposed to include two Tests, then it was billed as a warm-up for Australia ahead of the Champions Trophy. Now the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh in Darwin stands alone in a cricket schedule with big gaps either side for both teams. Ultimately, the series will not mean a lot unless Bangladesh score an upset victory. Australia are missing several of their most senior players, which means a few fringe squad members will be given opportunities. They have had only one warm-up match in Darwin and their batsmen were clearly rusty, while Bangladesh have been in town for two weeks and have had five games. It is a factor that gives the visitors hope.ODI form guide
Australia - WWWWW (most recent first)Bangladesh - LLLLW
Team news
Ricky Ponting (wrist) and Matthew Hayden (heel) are missing from the top order, while Brett Lee is sitting out of this series due to his personal issues. Only Michael Hussey and Michael Clarke remain from the side that lost to Bangladesh in Cardiff in 2005. The changeover means Shane Watson and Shaun Marsh are likely to continue the successful opening combination they formed in the West Indies. Brett Geeves is unlikely to force his way in for a debut in the first match, although an opportunity could come later in the series.Watch out for ...
Shaun Marsh One of the stars of the IPL, Marsh continued his excellent form in Australia's ODI series in the West Indies. They were Marsh's first matches in Australia colours and the Darwin games will provide his first chance to represent his country at home. Bangladesh concede their bowling is their weakness and Marsh, with his fine strokeplay and timing, could do some serious early damage.Pitch and conditions
Australia's low-scoring practice match against the AIS on Wednesday suggested a slow, up-and-down surface. However, the pitch has flattened out and by Saturday should be reasonable for batting. A score of 220 to 240 might be competitive, considering the early start which may help the seamers.Weather
While overcoats have been needed in southern Australia to keep the winter at bay, Darwin remains hot and fine. The forecast for Saturday is sunny with a top temperature of 32 degrees.Stats and trivia
Bangladesh have beaten Australia once in their 13 one-day international meetings, at Cardiff in 2005. Since that match the teams have clashed six times, including two ten-wicket victories for Australia.Quotes
"They've got a lot of talent in their team. If things go their way they can score a lot of runs in a short amount of time, so our bowlers have to be on the mark."Michael Clarke, Australia's stand-in captain.
Jamie Siddons, the Bangladesh coach.
Brydon Coverdale is a staff writer at Cricinfo