Australia mull three-pronged spin attack for Bangladesh in second Test
Steve Smith. Pic/AFP
Australian captain Steve Smith said yesterday he was considering fielding three spinners in the must-win Test against Bangladesh after their shock loss on a turning wicket in the series opener. Australia suffered their first-ever Test defeat against Bangladesh last week and are desperate to restore some lost pride when the teams meet in the second and final Test starting here today."
O'Keefe recalled
Bangladesh, ranked ninth in the ICC Test rankings to Australia's fourth, are hoping to shed their underdog status with a series sweep against Smith's men. Australia have recalled left-arm spinner Steve O'Keefe for the injured Josh Hazlewood and could play him alongside their frontline spinners Nathan Lyon and Ashton Agar.
Smith said no final decisions had been made, with rain interrupting their last training session Sunday and preventing an inspection of the wicket. But the skipper hinted at fielding a spin attack. "I think the inclusion of O'Keefe into the squad is a good one. It gives us the option to play three spinners if we like," Smith said. "Obviously Bangladesh did that against us last week. If the wicket is spinning it's really a good option."
Will play to win: Rahim
Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim said his men would go all out for another win against the former world number one Test side. "There is no way we will play safe cricket. Whichever team we play now, we play against them for win. We will do whatever it takes us for making it 2-0," Mushfiqur said.
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