Alex Carey admitted Australia fell short in all areas as Bangladesh secured a historic win in the first ODI at Mirpur.
The visitors suffered an 86-run defeat through the DLS method and now trail 1-0 in the three-match series. Carey said Bangladesh were the better side on the day.
“Full credit to Bangladesh and the way that they played,” Carey said after the match. “We didn’t quite get it right in all facets, really. Our fielding was a bit sloppy. Our quicks and spinners toiled away and we had our chances.”
Australia’s fielding came under scrutiny after several missed opportunities. Carey said his team failed to support the bowlers when chances came their way.
“It wasn’t our best effort in the field today,” Carey said. “We created the chances and we weren’t able to back up the bowlers.”
The wicketkeeper batter also praised Bangladesh’s pace attack, especially Nahid Rana, who troubled the Australian batters with his speed and bounce.
“He was a standout tonight with a bit of extra bounce on a wicket that allows that pace and bounce,” Carey said.
Australia had prepared for Nahid before the series, but Carey said facing him was a different experience.
“He bowled really well,” Carey said. “We all knew the pace, but until you face it firsthand, he’s a really tall athlete and gets a bit of bounce as well.”
Nahid’s aggressive approach also drew attention during the match. When asked about an exchange between the fast bowler and Josh Hazlewood, Carey welcomed the competitive spirit.
“I think that’s what we want in cricket, a bit of spice,” Carey said. “You don’t want to take it over the edge clearly, but I thought that’s two players getting into the contest.”
The Australian said his side now has a better understanding of Bangladesh’s bowling attack and must learn quickly before the second ODI.
“Our batters now have had a look at their pace attack and spinners as well, and hopefully we can respond,” Carey said. “The key thing to all this is learn really quickly.”
Carey also believes Nahid has the qualities to succeed in Australian conditions and even suggested a future move to the Big Bash League.
“Absolutely,” Carey said. “The pace is there, obviously the bounce. Australian wickets, there’s a bit of bounce in them. There’s a lot of talent there to like, for sure. He can come to Adelaide Strikers if he wants.”
Another Bangladesh player who impressed was Mushfiqur Rahim. The experienced batter made 86 runs after being dropped early in his innings.
“Look, I think when you give quality players chances in the field, they come back to cost you a bit, and he did that today,” Carey said.
Despite the disappointing result, Carey insisted Australia would not panic. He said the team would review the loss and focus on making a stronger comeback in the next match.
“We’ll stay really calm,” Carey said. “We’ve got lots of areas we can improve on. It’s a matter of now getting back into the series on Thursday.”
Australia will try to level the series when the teams meet again in Mirpur on Thursday.
