Bangladesh may play with four pacers

Many reckoned that one of the crucial reasons behind Bangladesh's failure in the four practice matches recently was their experiments to seek the right combination ahead of the first match against Afghanistan.

And according to the team think-tank coach Chandika Hathurusingha has all but made up his mind regarding the playing eleven.

The bowling combination will be finalised once the Tigers inspect the pitch at the Manuka Oval, where they face the Afghans on Wednesday. Rubel Hossain is most likely to open the bowling attack with captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and if the team feels the match needs an extra pacer they will include young Taskin Ahmed, who has been in good touch, in the side.

After a two-day break, the team will practise today at the Kippax Oval in Canberra and that's where they will decide whether to include Taskin or stick with left-arm spinner Taijul Islam for the first match.

Bangladesh's batting has been a cause for concern. They failed to cross 250 in the last four matches and did not bat the full quota of 50 overs on either occasion. Anamul Haque's performance at the top has been poor, but the right-hander is likely to open the innings alongside Tamim Iqbal.

Young Soumya Sarkar is another player who is likely to feature in the eleven. The youngster, who has played just one ODI so far, impressed with the bat in the practice matches. He is also quite handy with his medium pacers.

While Nasir Hossain is also in contention, Sabbir Rahman is believed to be the more preferred option. The Tigers attended a reception hosted by the High Commissioner of Bangladesh yesterday and also met up with expatriate Bangladeshis, apart from having a meeting with coach and attending a gym session.