Australia batter Marnus Labuschagnehas credited Bangladesh's impressive pace attack for their recent success and believes the hosts have benefited from producing sporting wickets that offer assistance to both batters and bowlers.
His comments come ahead of the third and final ODI of the series, with Bangladesh already having secured a historic series victory over Australia.
Bangladesh's home wins against leading cricketing nations have often been met with criticism due to the slow and spin-friendly
surfaces traditionally used in Dhaka. However, the ongoing series has told a different story, with the hosts relying heavily on their fast-bowling unit comprising Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, and Mustafizur Rahman to outplay the visitors.
Speaking ahead of the final ODI, Labuschagne acknowledged the quality of Bangladesh's seamers and admitted that Australia failed to capitalise on key opportunities during the first two matches.
"I think they've got a really good pace bowling attack that can also get a lot out of a wicket with a bit of pace and bounce and seam," Labuschagne told reporters ahead of the final ODI as quoted by Cricbuzz.
The Australia batter also pointed to missed chances in the field, particularly during the opening game, which he felt allowed Bangladesh to gain the upper hand.
"At times we've probably missed those opportunities in the field. I think game one, I dropped that catch at second slip, and you take that catch and you put a bit of pressure on, and that total can pretty much come down to anything from 200 if you get a few wickets in that power play. So I think the opportunities have been there for us and we just haven't taken them in the field," he said.
Labuschagne further praised the nature of the pitches used in the series, noting that the surfaces have provided a fair contest between bat and ball. He also dismissed any notion that Australia had underestimated Bangladesh.
"And yeah, it is really nice to come to Bangladesh and see wickets with a bit of pace and bounce, where we just came from Lahore playing on pretty low, slow, spinning wickets," he said.
Meanwhile, Australia were unable to complete their scheduled training session in Dhaka on Saturday after heavy rain and thunderstorms disrupted preparations ahead of the final ODI. Labuschagne admitted the cancellation was disappointing but stressed that the team must be ready regardless of the conditions.
"Yeah, you're always disappointed when you don't get the opportunity to get out and train, but it's part of the game. You've got to make sure that you come to the game tomorrow focused and ready to go," said Labuschagne.
With Bangladesh already securing the series, the hosts will be aiming for a clean sweep, while Australia will be desperate to avoid a 3-0 defeat and end the tour on a positive note.
