Australia, having won the toss, batted first in the second one-dayer at Dhaka but the most notable talking point ahead of the encounter was Riley Meredith’s surprising re-introduction to 50-over cricket after five years out in the cold.
In the series opener, Captain Josh Inglis opted for bat, but on a different surface entirely. After Bangladesh had an excellent outing in the first ODI, wide-eyed Australia made a big change by handing a debut to Meredith instead of Liam Scott.
It was a surprise inclusion for Meredith, who had only gone to Bangladesh with Australia’s T20I squad originally. The speedster, who was added to the ODI squad on match day morning, walked into the playing XI straightaway. The right-arm pacer, who is now returning to the side after five years since his last ODI for Australia.
Australia also adjusted their batting order, listing Marnus Labuschagne at No. seven due to inconsistent form recently. The decision appears to be premised on the visitors wanting more flexibility in their middle order as they attempt to return form in the series.
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Bangladesh, in turn, made just one change to their side. Replacement: Soumya Sarkar (replaced Saif Hassan) Soumya Sarkar Following the return of Bangladesh’s experienced all-rounder, opted out as the opening batter in place of Saif Hassan who was unable to make a significant mark in recent ODI appearances. The hosts will be keen to continue their momentum and get one step closer to achieving what would be a historic series win against Australia.
This contest certainly serves up as an interesting matchup once again, with Bangladesh looking to continue their burgeoning home form and Australia left searching for answers after a poor showing in the first T20 international.
Teams:
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Litton Das (wk), Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (C), Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman Nahid Rana Tanvir Islam
Squads: Australia Big Bash squad (Matt Short, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis [capt & wk], Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Matthew Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan EllisJr., Riley MeredithAdam Zampa)