Bangladesh enter their three‑match ODI series against Australia on Tuesday with a sense of belief rarely seen in this matchup, convinced that this could finally be the moment they topple one of world cricket’s traditional giants.
The two sides have not met in a bilateral ODI series since 2011, when Australia swept Bangladesh 3-0. Fifteen years later, the dynamics have shifted dramatically. Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s side arrive in Mirpur riding the momentum of three straight home series wins against the West Indies, Pakistan and New Zealand. Australia, meanwhile, have just lost a series to Pakistan and are missing several of their biggest names.
The visitors are without their World Cup‑winning pace trio Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, none of whom were selected for the tour. Their squad has been further depleted by the late withdrawals of captain Mitchell Marsh (ankle injury) and Travis Head (personal leave). Josh Inglis continues as interim captain.
Miraz said his team is embracing the opportunity. “Everyone is in good form at the moment the batters and bowlers are all in very good touch after the Dhaka Premier League,” he told reporters.
“This is a huge opportunity for us, especially since we are playing Australia after so many years. On our home ground, it will be a great achievement if we can make the most of that advantage.”
Despite Australia’s absentees, Miraz stressed that Bangladesh are not underestimating their opponents. He revealed the team only learned on Sunday that Marsh and Head would miss the series, and said the squad is preparing with full respect for the visitors’ depth and experience.
With Bangladesh confident and Australia stretched thin, the opening match at Sher‑e‑Bangla National Cricket Stadium promises to set the tone for a potentially historic series.
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