Steve Smith Stands Alone – In the first Test, Bangladesh’s Mahmud put the visitors under serious pressure, with Steve Smith reported to be Australia’s main resistance. Wickets tumbled around Smith, who was forced to adopt the role of stabiliser as Australia attempted to find a way back into the contest. Bangladesh, though, seemed to gain control with disciplined bowling and constant pressure, making the first Test a mounting task for the Australian batting line-up.
Steve Smith is Australia’s best hope
Smith has emerged as one of the most reliable Test batsmen of his generation.
His ability to leave well, defend patiently and punish loose deliveries can be especially useful when conditions become difficult and wickets are falling fast.
If Australia are to recover from a poor position, Smith’s long innings could be vital in helping the lower order build partnerships and cut down Bangladesh’s advantage.
Mahmud spearheads Bangladesh’s bowling front
Mahmud is said to have played a major role in putting Australia on the back foot.
If a fast bowler can keep his line and length right and attack the stumps when the pressure is on, he can become very dangerous.
Mahmud has seemingly put Bangladesh on top in a crucial phase of the game by taking crucial wickets and preventing Australia from building partnerships.
Australia’s Struggle to Forge Partnerships
One of the biggest problems in Australia seems to have been the lack of sustained partnerships.
Test cricket is much more difficult when wickets are falling in clusters, because the new batsmen have little time to settle in.
A good individual innings can only do so much when there is no support at the other end.
Therefore, Australia will need their middle and lower order to stick with Smith and make Bangladesh’s bowlers work longer spells.
Bangladesh Keep the Pressure On Maintain Discipline
Bangladesh’s success has been about more than just taking wickets.
Good bowling, tight fields and dot balls build pressure and can force batters into taking unnecessary risks.
“That is a great strategy against experienced teams because it cuts down easy runs and makes the batters create their own opportunities.”
If Bangladesh continue to discipline themselves, they can keep Australia under pressure even when wickets are not falling regularly.
Pitch Conditions Could Become More Important
The character of the pitch could greatly affect the course of the Test.
If the surface starts to provide more movement, uneven bounce or assistance to spin, batting could become progressively more difficult.
Australia will be looking to get as close to Bangladesh’s first innings total as possible before conditions possibly deteriorate later in the match.
Smith’s Experience Could Shift the Momentum
Smith has played plenty of high-pressure innings across his Test career.
His unorthodox approach and sharp focus get him through when the bowlers are on top.
If Bangladesh waste their strong position, a big partnership for Smith could turn the game on its head in a flash.
That makes his wicket one of the most prized of targets for the home side.
Australia Need Support From Lower Order
The lower order could now be playing a vital part.
Tail-enders don’t need to score quickly as such. Their first job might be to hang around long enough to back up Smith and to frustrate Bangladesh.
“A 30 or 40-run partnership can be very important in a low-scoring Test, especially on a difficult surface.
Sources
- Australia cricket team – Official squad and player information, match updates – Cricket Australia
- Bangladesh Cricket Board – Official Bangladesh team news and match information
- ICC – International Cricket Council | Test match information, rankings and coverage of international cricket
- ESPNcricinfo – Live scorecards, player stats and Test analysis
- Cricbuzz – Live scores, match commentary, news and features on Cricket
