'Tigers are very good at home'

Australia batsman Usman Khawaja, who has not played an international game since January 22, warned that it would be unwise to take hosts Bangladesh lightly in their upcoming two-match Test series.

Khawaja last played for Australia in an ODI against Pakistan, but did not feature in Australia's four Tests against India.

The Tigers have produced a number of impressive performances in recent times, including a Test win on home soil against England. With that in mind, Khawaja says Australia will not be taking their next opponents lightly.

"They're very good in their backyard, much like India," Khawaja told cricket.com.au. "Their wickets are very similar to those in India. It will be a challenge.

"It's a tough tour to go to because I haven't been to Bangladesh before and from all reports it's a very congested country, getting around is pretty tough, very different to what we experience.

"People think of Bangladesh 'It's an easy win, it's only Bangladesh' but it's not like that anymore. They're very competitive at home so it's going to be a very good series."

Australia have not played a Test in Bangladesh since 2006 when former fast bowler Jason Gillespie scored a memorable double-century in what turned out to be his final Test. And he had some advice for the Australian team who will be visiting this time around, light-heartedly asking them to watch the footage of his terrific innings.

"What a batting masterclass," Gillespie told cricket.com.au when asked if he recalled his famous knock. "They [Australia's batsmen] really should just get on YouTube and type in 'best innings in Test cricket' and '201 not out' will come up, that's the first one. They should watch that -- the highlights take just over an hour -- absorb everything and learn as much as they can about the art of batsmanship in Bangladesh. It is one real tough place to bat."

He then added that the players, for all of whom it will a first tour of Bangladesh, would have a great time and encouraged them to embrace the experience.

"I'm looking forward to seeing them go out there and have a wonderful tour of Bangladesh," Gillespie continued. "It's a great place to play cricket, the crowds are fanatical, the public is right behind their side and they're very respectful of other teams. [The fans] love Australian players. They'll have wonderful time there and really enjoy."