Australian skipper Alyssa Healy is confident that the experience gained in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) will be invaluable for her team as they prepare to face Bangladesh in an upcoming series. With the pitches in Bangladesh expected to be similar to those in the WPL, Healy believes her team will be well-prepared, especially with seven players fresh from their WPL commitments. She emphasized the importance of adapting quickly to the low and slow conditions, highlighting the communication and experience within the team as key factors in overcoming any challenges.

Acknowledging the modern demands of cricket, Healy expressed excitement about the rare opportunity to play against Bangladesh, particularly for those experiencing it for the first time. She stressed the need for Australia’s batting unit to counter spin effectively, emphasizing an adaptive approach rather than a defensive one. Healy sees the challenge of facing Bangladesh as an opportunity for growth and welcomed the chance to experience new conditions and opposition.

Reflecting on Bangladesh’s strengths, Healy pointed out their skilled bowling attack, particularly their spinners, which she believes poses a significant threat to teams not accustomed to subcontinental conditions. She praised Bangladesh’s progress in women’s cricket, noting their emergence as a formidable team in the ODI Women’s Championship and the positive impact it has on the global growth of the sport.

Adapting to Subcontinental Conditions

Australia begin their white-ball tour of Bangladesh with a three-match ODI series, starting 21 March.

More on their squad ➡️ https://t.co/yH1pbkA8Bn pic.twitter.com/qC71FW5JJy

— ICC (@ICC) March 16, 2024

Meanwhile, Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana is optimistic about her team’s performance following a competitive series against India, which boosted their confidence and visibility in world cricket.

She emphasized the importance of showcasing individual talents within her team and expressed determination to compete against Australia, acknowledging them as world champions and a benchmark for women’s cricket. Despite recognizing Australia’s superiority, Nigar highlighted the increasing support and attention towards women’s cricket in Bangladesh, which she believes will inspire more girls to pursue the sport professionally.

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Both Healy and Nigar are gearing up for a competitive series, each acknowledging the challenges and opportunities it presents for their respective teams. While Healy focuses on preparation and adaptation, Nigar emphasizes the growth and potential of women’s cricket in Bangladesh, aiming to make a mark against the reigning champions.

Fixtures

ODI Series:

• March 21: 1st ODI at Mirpur
• March 24: 2nd ODI at Mirpur
• March 27: 3rd ODI at Mirpur

T20I Series:

• March 31: 1st T20I at Mirpur
• April 2: 2nd T20I at Mirpur
• April 4: 3rd T20I at Mirpur