Domingo: We want to play on good wickets
BCB
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Bangladesh are looking for their first-ever bilateral T20I series against Australia as Russell Domingo, the Tigers' head coach, stated this series is emphasizing the importance of "playing on good wickets" ahead of the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
Bangladeshi surfaces have historically been spin-friendly, regardless of the format, and the availability of wristspinner Adam Zampa and left-arm spinner Ashton Agar makes Australia's spin attack a serious threat even in foreign conditions.
Domingo, on the other hand, believes the pitch at Shere Bangla National Stadium would provide the type of challenge the hosts need to prepare for the T20 World Cup.
"We want to play on good wickets because that's what you're going to be facing when playing World Cups away from home. So, I don't expect the wicket to be a major factor in the series. I don't think it's going to spin that much” Domingo said during a virtual press conference.
The two teams have only met four times in T20Is, with Australia holding a 4-0 advantage in the series. Prior to this series, which begins on August 3, Bangladesh only hosted Australia in the shortest format once, in April 2014.
"Obviously, winning is always important. It's a great opportunity for us to try and win a series against Australia, it will do wonders for our confidence. We also want to try and find our best combination [for the T20 World Cup], and playing against Australia will give us that opportunity. Bangladesh don't play against Australia that often, so this is a big series for us and we're determined to do well in it" coach added.
Domingo mirrored the overarching feeling in the Bangladesh camp when asked about veteran player Mushfiqur Rahim's forced absence from the series, which was a direct outcome of Cricket Australia's Covid-19 guidelines.
"I can't understand the stringent rules Australia have placed on Mushfiq's bubble. Ten days [on re-entering the bubble after visiting family] surely would have been enough, so [it's] very disappointing the way they went about it,”
"But, look, we want to play against some of the best teams in the world. It's a great opportunity for one or two of the younger players, or fringe players, to play and show what they're capable of. We know Mushfiq's absence is a big loss for us but we've got a biggish squad and some quality players, so it's a great opportunity for them" Domingo added.
