Bangladesh vs Australia First Test Betting Tips

Last time when Australia played is Bangladesh, Steve Smith was in high school while Darren Lehmann was still playing first-class cricket. None of the 14 players currently touring have prior experience of playing Bangladesh. So much has changed for Australia although their poor record in Asia stands.

The Kangaroos open their two-Test series at Dhaka on Sunday, August 27th with both sides eyeing potential wins. While the hosts believe they can surprise Australia on their home turf, the visitors believe they can play with the same spirit they did in India earlier this year. No wonder then that the match is attracting so much attention.

Home comforts for Bangladesh
The Tigers have a formidable record at home and will target nothing less than a win in the first match. They will take inspiration from their win against England and the capitulation of Australia in Sri Lanka last year.

The side relies a lot on senior players Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim with the bat together with the ever-reliable Shakib Al Hasan. With the ball, the teenage sensation Mehidy Hasan will be the one to watch out for although the presence of Taijul Islam and Shakib gives them variety of spin options.

Can Smith erase the sub-continental blues?
After fighting with Cricket Australia over pay dispute all through the summer, the Kangaroos will be eager to get back on the field. A loss can be devastating to their ICC Test rankings with a 2-0 loss having the potential of dropping them to number six.

Smith continues to be their key batsman while a lot will depend on David Warner and Usman Khawaja. They will definitely miss lynchpin Mitchell Starc with the ball although Josh Hazlewood is more than a handful. A bigger challenge though is adapting to the conditions, especially since their lone practice game is washed away.

Line-ups
Liton Das should don the gloves for the hosts with Mominul Haque, Mosaddek Hossain, Nasir Hossain and Shafiul Islam making the bench.

With Glenn Maxwell showing good Test form in India, he may get the nod. Jackson Bird, Hilton Cartwright and Mitchell Swepson look likely to be left out.

Stats
Both sides have played just four matches so far – the last one in 2006 – with the Aussies winning all of them. The Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur is a favourable venue for the hosts who have won two and drew one of their last four matches here.

In the last five years, Australia have lost 11 of the 13 matches they played in sub-continent including UAE. Their lone win came in Pune early this year, that was as much a surprise for their supports as for the analysts.

Picks
If ever there is a chance for Bangladesh to upset Australia in a Test, it is this. Odds of $1.60 (Ladbrokes) make Australia the favourites but Bangladesh at odds of $4 (bet365) represent a value pick. Don’t be surprised if the hosts pull off a win.

Mushfiqur’s form will be crucial for the hosts and at odds of $5.50 (bet365), he is a good pick to be their best batsman. For the visitors, it has to be Smith at odds of $3.50 (bet365).

TIP: Smith to be top Australia batsman – $3.50 at bet365

TIPS ARE SIMPLY THE AUTHOR’s OPINION. ALWAYS GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY