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We Are Still Hoping To Do Well: Taskin Refuses To Read Too Much Into Bangladeshs Warm-up Capitulation

Cricket Australia XI: Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed insisted the tourists remain confident of making a strong start to their Test series against Australia despite being bowled out for just 54 in their second innings against a Cricket Australia XI in their weekend warm-up match. That wasnt a great feeling, losing against Cricket Australia (XI) that practice game, Taskin told reporters at East Point beach. But in cricket, that happens. We are still trying to adjust to the conditions and pitches quickly. So that was a good preparation, but we lost. But we are still hoping to do well in the main match. Bangladesh suffered an innings-and-38-run defeat in the three-day warm-up, collapsing for 54 in just 22 overs as South Australian seamer Campbell Thompson claimed outstanding figures of 8-25. Despite the heavy defeat, Taskin believes the match provided valuable experience for a Bangladesh side playing in Australia for the first time since 2008. The 31-year-old has also had limited exposure to Australian conditions, having played in the 2015 ODI World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup. Taskin sat out Bangladeshs optional training session on Monday, instead joining Australias Alex Carey and Jake Weatherald for a press opportunity that took the form of a fishing trip. The trio spent close to an hour on the crystal blue waters west of Darwin but returned empty-handed. Meanwhile, Travis Head opted to remain on land as Australia continued preparations for the first Test against Bangladesh of his career. The newly crowned Allan Border Medallist had a short centre-wicket hit against Australias fast bowlers at the Marrara cricket complexs secondary venue before moving to the nets, where he worked under the watchful eye of batting coach Michael Di Venuto. Head also played down the significance of Bangladeshs collapse in the warm-up game, saying he would not be reading a hell of a lot into the scorecard. Ive played in some pretty poor ones over the years as well, and theyre always a challenge because youve got your mind elsewhere, Head told reporters on Monday morning from the outfield where Bangladesh were skittled. No disrespect to the CA XI team, but therell be guys in that Bangladesh team that are only purely worried about Thursday and what they needed to get out of it. They played well in the first innings theyd be disappointed in that and what the outcome looks like externally. But I think internally theyd just be worried about Thursday. Bangladesh will now turn their attention towards the opening Test, with Taskin once again expected to lead the pace attack after firebrand fast bowler Nahid Rana was ruled out of the series with a side strain. They played well in the first innings theyd be disappointed in that and what the outcome looks like externally. But I think internally theyd just be worried about Thursday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Taskin, however, was confident the issue would not prevent Bangladeshs all-time leading Test wicket-taker from taking his place in the XI when the series begins on Thursday. Article Source: IANS