Travis Head does not expect Australia to read too much into Bangladesh’s heavy warm-up defeat ahead of the first Test in Darwin.
Bangladesh lost to Cricket Australia XI by an innings and 38 runs on Saturday. They were bowled out for 54 in their second innings after making 263 in the first.
The collapse raised concerns about Bangladesh’s batting. Head, however, believes the result says little about what Australia can expect on Thursday.
“Not a hell of a lot. It is what it is,” Head told reporters on Monday when asked about the warm-up match.
The Australia batter pointed to the different mindset around practice games. He said players often focus on the Test ahead rather than the result in a warm-up.
“They’re always a challenge because you’ve got your mind elsewhere,” Head said. “There will be guys in that Bangladesh team who are only worrying about Thursday and what they need to get out of it.”
Head also highlighted Bangladesh’s first-innings batting. Mehidy Hasan Miraz rescued the innings with an unbeaten 109 after the top order struggled.
“They played well in the first innings, got 270-odd, and guys got hundreds,” Head said.
Bangladesh then suffered a dramatic collapse on the final morning. They lost their last eight wickets for only 35 runs.
Campbell Thompson caused most of the damage. The pacer claimed eight wickets for 25 runs to finish with match figures of 10-35.
Head believes Bangladesh will not spend too much time dwelling on that result.
“They might be disappointed in what the outcome looks externally, but internally they will just be worried about Thursday,” he said.
That Thursday challenge will be far tougher. Bangladesh will face Australia’s Test attack at Marrara Stadium in Darwin.
Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood will lead the Australian pace attack. Bangladesh must improve quickly after their batting struggles against the CA XI.
Mehidy’s first-innings century offered one major positive. Hasan Mahmud also impressed with the ball, taking four wickets for 42 runs.
Bangladesh have not played a Test in Australia for 23 years. They will therefore face a major test of their batting technique and temperament.
Head’s comments show Australia will not judge them solely on the warm-up score. Bangladesh now have the chance to answer their critics in the only match that counts.
The first Test starts in Darwin on Thursday, with the series opener beginning at 6.30am (BST).
