In a fresh development, the only two-day warm-up game in Fatullah has been called-off by Australia’s delegation against Bangladesh Board XI after inspecting the pitch condition that has been deemed as ‘poor’ for the match, which has further been waterlogged, following the inclement weather in Bangladesh.
The Khan Shaheb Osman Ali ground was unfit for the play owing to the contaminated water.
The sole reason for the cancellation of the solitary game has been that the part of a ground was flooded owing to the heavy downpour in the outskirts of the Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka.
Prior to the two-match Test series, the warm-up game was scheduled on August 22 and 23.
However, Australia head coach Darren Lehman has praised the impressive efforts of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for giving their best to make a game possible.
“We looked at various facilities around Dhaka. The BCB has been fantastic trying to get us the game. The amount of rain hasn’t helped,” Lehmann was quoted as saying by AFP.
A day before the inspection for the visiting party, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) revealed the management is working hard to make the game possible while subjecting it as a matter to decide for visitors on Monday (August).
(Read Also: Practice Game for Australia at Fatullah in Jeopardy after Incessant Rain Ruins Conditions)
The 47-year-old Gawler-born former Australian cricketer Lehmann further stated it is sad to see the plight of people struggling in Bangladesh due to incessant rains after reaching Dhaka on August 18, following the successful preparatory camp in Darwin which is akin to sub-continent conditions.
“We feel for the people of Bangladesh with the amount of rain they have had. There are a lot of people in this country struggling because of the rain. So the thoughts are with them,” Lehmann added.
The Steven Smith-led Australia has a lot on offer, but the hosts can’t be written off as they have had shown the capability in the recent past in the longer version of the game as well.
However, the reports further stated the BCB was eager to offer the different venue for the fixture.
The first Test, which is slated at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur, starts on Sunday, August 27.
Australia will head back to home on September 9, as the second and final Test is scheduled at Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong from September 4.