We’re slowly getting there.
Upon watching the conclusion of Australia’s recent clash with Bangladesh, I came to the conclusion that the Aussies are building steadily.
The batting side of their World Cup campaign had lacked in polish and pace. A few seemed rusty, and our middle to lower order struggled to handle the pressure of finishing an innings. Thursday night proved Langer is beginning to find a line up that is working. It just takes more time in the middle and more games for it to gel into a dominant force that could potentially win a cup.
Batting first once again, Finch and Warner set out to prove why they are the in-form opening partnership of the tournament. Both coming off recent centuries, they struck the ball well with composure. Neither were bursting out of the blocks – they were warily laying the foundations against an underrated Bangladesh bowling line up. Finch’s run-a-ball half-century included some breathtaking blows that flew into and over the boundary, dispatching bad balls with disdain. When he fell, Warner and Khawaja maximised their time in the middle.
Warner proved he is still not at his peak. He carries more of a weight on his shoulders. He’s more scared of going out and the impact it will have on a team that depends on his blistering stroke play. It’s not the Warner we have come to expect, but it’s the one we need.
His slower approach bordered on frustrating in other games, but here he makes the most of it. Once he ambles past the century mark he explodes, squirting boundaries around with ease until he is removed for a superb 166. Khawaja continues to build towards a ton for himself, while Maxwell struts out at number four and unleashes some dazzling shots. He is such a danger because he needs no time to play himself in – he is talented enough to hit anyone for six off ball one. He’s in ominous touch, slapping three maximum’s that nearly clear the stands. Scorching his way to 32 off just 10 balls, his entertaining knock is cut well short due to a disappointing running mix up with Khawaja. When Usman departs for an impressive 89 an over later, the promising total of 400 dissipates.
Smith unusually misses a full toss on his legs for the first time in his life and is left walking off with a confused feeling of not making a good score. But it’s a good time to fail – Stoinis and Carey can manipulate the remaining overs and the gloomy English weather to finish off the innings well. It’s an improvement. There’s no collapse of wickets. Stoinis back in the team finds the proper balance we needed. 381 is a total that Australia don’t look like losing to.
Bangladesh have some guts though. They have come a long way from their minnow days, and have more confidence in their steady batting line up. A solid start is ruined by a running catastrophe, with Finch pouncing on the chance to exact a superb run out that shatters Bangladeshi hearts. Iqbal and Al Hasan prove why they are dangerous, striking up a partnership that swells to threatening. Sliding past the 100 mark, the Tigers are disrupted by Stoinis’ timely wicket of Al Hasan. Finishing the innings, removing the best all-rounder in one day cricket – it’s good to have Stoinis back. Starc continues his fantastic tournament with the wicket of Iqbal and the Aussies sniff blood.
Zampa shows why he needs to stay in the team, going for some runs but then bringing it back with the wicket of Das. From then on, Bangladesh bat superbly to exact some pride out of the match.
It won’t be a dominating Aussie win – the Tigers fight to the last over.
Rahim bats with aplomb and immense skill to post an unbeaten century, while he is ably helped by Mahmudullah. But their resistance is patiently eroded. Australia’s disciplined bowlers hammer away until they all get some late rewards. Both teams can come away with some positives from the game, as Bangladesh post 8/333 off their 50 overs. On any other day that would be remarkable, but their bowlers have failed them. Australia have rejuvenated their weakness in middle order batting, while their bowling can always improve. Let’s see what happens against those Poms on Tuesday night.
Australia – 5/ 381 (50 overs)
Warner 166 (147 balls) Sarkar 3/ 58 (8 overs)
Khawaja 89 (72) Rahman 1/ 69 (9)
Finch 53 (51) Al Hasan 0/ 50 (6)
Bangladesh – 8/ 333 (50)
Rahim 102 not out (97) Stoinis 2/ 54 (8)
Mahmudullah 69 (50) Starc 2/ 55 (10)
Iqbal 62 (74) Coulter-Nile 2/ 58 (10)
Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.
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