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The Australia National Cricket Team were stunned by the Bangladesh National Cricket Team in the first Test at the MCG 2 in Darwin, where the Bangla Tigers completely outplayed the No.1 Test side as they defeated them by 9 wickets. Ahead of the second Test, former West Indies National Cricket Team captain Brian Lara has warned the selectors.
Bangladesh, who are ninth-placed in the ICC Test rankings, showcased their fight to the world and created history as they won their first game against the Aussies at their home venue. They also became the team to win by the biggest margin (in wickets), surpassing the record of India and Pakistan. From the very first day, Najmul Hossain Shanto’s side had control of the game.
"Going to be very difficult": Brian Lara warns Australia selectors
While speaking with CODE Sports, Brian Lara slammed the Australian selectors for not letting young guys come in. There have been cricketers who have got into their 30s, and they are unable to perform consistently in the traditional format of the game. Brian Lara also mentioned the poor average of the batters as it has dropped below 35, and it has been a difficult phase for the team.
"A staggered approach towards retirements is much better," he told CODE Sports. "When I see the Australian reserves, I see a lot of batsmen averaging in the 30s, and it is going to be very difficult if four or five of the team go in together," Brian Lara added.
Brian Lara cites example of West Indies team to protect Australian cricket
He cited the example of West Indies cricket when some players retired together, as during the 1992 year there were some big names like Sir Vivian Richards, Malcolm Marshall and Gordon Greenidge who retired in the span of a short time, which came as a backlash for the Windies cricket as they had a downfall.
"That happened to the West Indies around 1992 when players like Gordon Greenidge, Viv Richards, Malcolm Marshall, and Jeff Dujon left in a short period of time," Brian Lara said.
Australia in deep trouble with key players aging
Australia has 10 players who are above the age of 30, and some are above 35, with the pace bowling trio being the prominent names in the playing XI. The list includes Jake Weatherald (31), Travis Head (32), Marnus Labuschagne (32), Steven Smith (37), Alex Carey (34), Beau Webster (32), Mitchell Starc (36), Pat Cummins (33), Nathan Lyon (38), and Josh Hazlewood (35).
Even though their experience remains a major strength, the Aussies will need to start planning for the next generation, as the age of several key players could become a concern in the long term, as they might not provide the same intensity and consistency in the forthcoming years, which may lead to the downfall of the team across formats.
The Kangaroos will not want to lose the series to a team like Bangladesh at home. They have no chance to win the series as it is a two-match series and the Bangla Tigers are 0-1 up. The second Test is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 22 at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.
