Bangladesh Make Three Changes, Bat First in Final ODI vs Australia

Opting to bat first, Bangladesh brought three changes to their playing XI for the third and final ODI of the series. Having already lost the series, Australia was hoping to deliver an impressive all-round performance in front of their home crowd and avoid a clean sweep.

Winning the toss and bat first was what the captain Najmul Hossain Shanto wanted as he felt this was the time where his batters would find greatest comfort in posting a decent total before things changed later in the day. In a bid to energize the side after the first two drab performances, Bangladesh’s team management made three changes in their lineup.

Bangladesh’s batting has been inconsistent all series in what have typically been low-scoring matches, with the Aussie attack maintaining such line and length as to continually exploit their shaky middle order. The reason for making so many changes indicates that the squad want to try things out as well but it also gives players who have been waiting on the fringes a shot.

On the other hand, Australia strode into the contest on cloud nine after winning the series with strong displays in both ODIs earlier. Carefully constructed combination have flourished in both batting and bowling with players making contributions when it is necessary. The visitors now will be gunning to wrap Super Series by completing a whitewash in the 2-match Odi series, while continuing their fine run shall also over themselves as kings of limited-overs cricket.

The final ODI is much more than just another fixture in the line-up for Bangladesh. The triumph will serve as a much-needed morale-boost going into upcoming international fixtures, and prove they can bounce back after being put under pressure. The onus will be on the top order to build a strong platform and the bowlers will hope they can test Australia’s batting firepower this time around later in the contest.

Even though the series has already been decided, team management has highlighted the need to end on a strong note. Individual performances may be as important as the result with several players battling to secure their spots in the national team.

Bangladesh won the toss, and their decision to bat first meant the tourists were taking an attacking posture in search of victory as consolation; Australia simply sought a win to end the tour on a high and remain undefeated in the series.

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