‘A lot will depend on how well we utilise our skills’
In spite of the fact that Bangladesh will be facing Australia for the very first time in a bilateral T20I series, the first question the Tigers skipper Mahmudullah Riyad had to face was related to his recent retirement from Tests, made in Zimbabwe.
The 35-year-old however avoided answering his version over the issue as much as he was reluctant to go over the top when it came to the buzzing prospect of the Tigers to clinch their first-ever T20I win over the Aussies in the absence of some of their key players.
The two sides will take on each other in the first of the five-match T20I series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today where Tigers skipper Mahmudullah pressed the issue of following the process right as the key towards possible success against the Aussies.
"It's difficult to say whether or not it's the best opportunity to beat Australia. A lot will depend on how well we utilise our skills in the games and confidence from the Zimbabwe tour," said Mahmudullah during the pre-match virtual press conference yesterday.
However, the experienced cricketer did admit that a series win against the Aussies will certainly amplify the confidence of the Tigers to a great deal but for that, the hosts need to play smart.
There were talks over the probable threats from the Australian bowling attack, coming from Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, especially with the new ball, but according to Mahmudullah the openers Soumya Sarkar and Naim Sheikh have the license to play their natural game.
"I think assessing the wicket is vital no matter which format you are playing, especially in Mirpur. It's important for the openers to play with freedom so that we can carry the momentum in the next few overs."
Australia on the other hand, announced Matthew Wade as their captain for the series following regular skipper Aaron Finch's injury at the last moment in West Indies.
The visitors, coming from the bashing 4-1 T20I series defeat from their Caribbean tour, are bound to be under pressure and more importantly, Australia will be desperate to return to winning ways after having lost their last four T20 series on the trot.
"Our focus won't change too much after a lot of cricket of late. It took us a few games to get going against the Windies where things would've looked different had we managed to win the first game there. We feel pretty good now after playing eight games of international cricket. Wickets have been slow with a little bit of spin as well and the boys have trained really well to expect good results here," Wade told the media yesterday.
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