The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sports Reporter

Bangladesh National Cricket team will face mighty Australia National Cricket team today in the first One Day International (ODI) match at Darwin in Australia. The match starts at 6.00 a.m ( Bangladesh Standard Time). Star Sports will telecast the match live from the stadium.

Bangladesh and Australia faced 13 times each other. Of them, Bangladesh won only one match while world champions Australia won 12 games. Bangladesh beat Australia in Cardiff in 2005.

After arriving in Australia, Bangladesh played five practice one-dayers against the different sides of Australia. Bangladesh registered two wins while conceded three defeats.

It may be mentioned that Bangladesh won just one of its last 12 ODIs. The victory came against United Arab Emirates.

Jamie Siddons, the coach of Bangladesh team said yesterday that his team had shown it could upset the best in the world, but with just 40 wins in 184 ODIs they needed to do so far more often.

Siddons said, 'We are trying to be more consistently competitive.'

On the other hand, Michael Clarke, who will lead Australia in the absence of Ricky Ponting, said Australia would not be taking their opponents lightly.

'As soon as you take things for granted I think you find yourself asking questions why you have lost that game.'

The pitch has flattened out and by Saturday should be reasonable for batting. A total of 220 to 240 might be competitive, considering the early start which may help the seamers.