Steve Smith called it one of the worst bowling performances under his watch, after Australia suffered against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy, so expect a few changes to the lineup when the former champions face off against Bangladesh at The Oval on Monday.
While Josh Hazlewood helped Australia pull things back in the final over of their first CT 2017 match against New Zealand, overall, it was a pretty poor bowling show by a team that pride themselves in their skills with the ball.
Also read: Australia vs Bangladesh match prediction
Smith was a far from happy man at the end of the match, which had to abandoned due to rain, and hinted at possible changes to the playing XI.
Australia went with four pace bowlers in the match against the Kiwis, with Pat Cummins, Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and John Hastings all playing.
While Hazlewood won't be dropped after his six-for and Starc is undroppable, it looks like one of Hastings or Cummins might make way for the spinner in Adam Zampa.
Australia sorely missed some variation in their bowling attack – Travis Head bowled four overs of part-time off-spin – and Smith is expecting a bit of spin from The Oval track.
"It is a used wicket, the same one that South Africa and Sri Lanka played on (on Saturday)," Smith said.
"And The Oval can take some spin, so we've certainly got that in our mind. But again, we'll have to have a look (on match day)."
To give them an extra bowling option, Australia also chose Moises Henriques ahead of Chris Lynn, and after struggling with the bat in the chase against New Zealand, Smith might consider bringing in the big-hitting powers of Lynn into play against Bangladesh.
Marcus Stoinis is also an option, and he would be a straight replacement for Henriques, who is a much better batsman than bowler.
Bangladesh also had issues with the ball in their first game, with the team unable to defend a score of over 300 against England. The ease with which England chased down 306 will worry Bangladesh, so they might consider bringing in an extra bowler.
With spin being their strength, Mehedi Hasan looks like being the best bet to come in, although Sunzamul Islam is also an option, while Taskin Ahmed, the highly talented fast bowler, could also get the nod.
Taskin could also come in for Rubel Hossain, who went for 64 runs in his ten overs without taking a wicket, in a straight swap.
If Bangladesh do strengthen their bowling, then Imrul Kayes is the man likely to make way, with Sabbir Rahman then slotting back at No.3 in the batting order.
Confirmed playing XI:
Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch, Steve Smith (C), Glenn Maxwell, Moises Henriques, Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Mehedi Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman.
