Mushfiqur Rahim wasn’t convinced by the fact that the absence of speedsters Mitchell Johnson and Josh Hazlewood in Australia’s upcoming Test tour of Bangladesh is going to help his side. According to the Bangladesh Test captain, the Australian bowling attack is still terrific and could leave the hosts in spot of bother despite the two frontline bowlers.

Pat Howard, Cricket Australia’s general manager of team performance, hinted that both men would need to be managed carefully with such a busy season coming up and thereby could be rested during Bangladesh tour which will unfold the era of Steven Smith. “It seemed the absence of those two bowlers could act in our favour. But from what we have seen the Australian bowling attack is enriched by the likes of Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle and other who could leave you in spot of bother,” Mushfiqur told the reporters yesterday.
“As far as the recent form is concerned, Starc is much more effective than Johnson. He has the speed and swing. Pat Cummins may come and he is also an effective bowler, with bounce and speed he offers. I don’t think we have anything to be complacent.” According to the Australian newspaper, the selectors may consider a spin-heavy attack given the condition of Bangladesh. There is high possibility that some rookie spinners could make their way in the Test series in Bangladesh in October.
Regardless of Mushfiqur Rahim’s comment, the absence of Johnson was seen as an advantage for Bangladesh given he was the only Australian bowler to average under 40 during last year’s series against Pakistan in the UAE, and Bangladesh might provide similar conditions. The Bangladesh captain said the series would be challenging, considering the style of Australian who is famous for their never-say-die attitude.
“They will leave no space for us and it’s their style, their philosophy. So whoever is coming or whoever is not coming is not the fact. It’s an Australian team. We’ve to play our best cricket.” Though initially he quipped that his batsmen could make some easy runs considering the wicket in Bangladesh, he rued of not getting the chance to deal with a bowler like Johnson-caliber. “If we could deal with him, it could have been a great experience. We faced some of the best bowlers in the world in the past. Hopefully we’ll get the chance to play against him.” Australia however have been busy with the ODI series against England after which the Test team for the Bangladesh would be announced.