Despite a valiant effort of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), the two-day practice game between Australia and BCB XI was cancelled finally as the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah was not up to the mark to host a match. It was due to begin today. Darren Lehmann along with the captain Steven Smith and the representatives of Cricket Australia visited Fatullah yesterday after which they came to a decision of calling off the match.

“They went to the Fatullah ground this morning and while they appreciated our effort, the ground wasn't deemed up to the mark,” BCB media and communications committee chairman Jalal Yunus said.

“Some parts of the outfield remained wet so they didn't want to play the practice match there.” The visitors now will continue regular training session at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium for the build up to the first Test against Bangladesh from August 27. “It’s shame for both of the sides of not playing the game,” Australia coach Darren Lehmann said.

“The BCB has been fantastic trying to get us the game. The amount of rain hasn’t helped. We looked at various facilities around Dhaka.”

The consistent rain made the stadium water-logged that put the game in doubt months ago. The BCB however tried its best to get the extra water off from the ground.

The National Sporting Council (NSC), in charge of all stadiums in Bangladesh, didn’t start preparation in time, according to the BCB.

Jalal Yunus said that had the NSC started work earlier, the ground would have been fit for play.

The BCB later took the all onus to make the stadium fit and they almost did. However the contaminated water made the surrounding area polluted.

The BCB kept BKSP as the alternative venue but the visiting side was not comfortable with the travel time as the venue is located almost 35kms from the Australia team hotel.