Bangladesh’s preparations for their upcoming Test series
against Australia suffered a severe blow as they succumbed to a dramatic
batting collapse against a Cricket Australia (CA) XI in Darwin, crashing to an
innings-and-38-run defeat.
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| Image Credits: Cricinfo |
Opting to bat first in the three-day fixture at Marrara Cricket Ground, Bangladesh posted 263 runs, headlined by a fighting, unbeaten century (109) from all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli proved the standout bowler for the hosts, taking six wickets to keep the tourists in check.
In response, Cricket Australia XI built a commanding 92-run
first-innings lead by posting 355. Young opener Teague Wyllie anchored the
performance with a brilliant 130, while Jake Doran contributed a valuable 76.
Fast bowler Hasan Mahmud was the pick of the Bangladeshi attack, picking up
four wickets.
The match took a nightmare turn for Bangladesh in their
second innings. Tasked with setting a fourth-innings target, Najmul Hossain
Shanto’s side completely unravelled against a lethal spell from 22-year-old
left-arm pacer Campbell Thompson. Thompson delivered staggering match-winning
figures of 8 for 25, ripping through the top and middle order in just 22 overs.
Bangladesh were bundled out for a paltry 54—with opener Tanzid Hasan’s 22
standing as the top score.
Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons conceded the batting effort was a major concern ahead of the upcoming Test series, urging his side to quickly adapt to local conditions before taking on the senior Australian national team.
