Inspections underway
The two-member Cricket Australia security team led by Sean Carroll and Frank Demasi inspected the ULAB cricket ground in Mohammadpur yesterday to assess the venue for Australia's two-day practice match slated for August 22.
The water-logged state of the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah has already created a lot of confusion regarding the venue for the only tour game as the Bangladesh Cricket Board are looking for alternative venues.
There were a few other venues that came under consideration such as the BKSP and also the Sylhet International Stadium, the ULAB cricket ground being the latest. According to Carroll they will assess the suitability of the venues over the next 48 hours.
"First of all, we are happy to be here as we are looking forward to the series to start. Frank Demasi and me are here to look at all the facilities provided by the BCB and looking forward to inspecting all the venues by the next two days. The weather is one thing we can't control and we will work with the BCB for a suitable venue for the practice match and as I said we will wait and see," Carroll told reporters after inspecting the ULAB venue yesterday.
However, BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury that Fatullah can be readied in time, weather permitting.
"It's possible to host the match by that time but for that the weather needs to improve. If the weather permits and the sun shines, then it's possible. I have spoken with the curator and he informed that it's possible to completely prepare the ground within two days," Nizamuddin said.
The two-member security team will inspect the Fatullah stadium today and are also scheduled to travel to Chittagong on the same day to inspect the venue for the second Test -- the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
The Australian team are set to arrive tomorrow and are scheduled for a gym session the following day.
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