![Australia ODI team [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1781162537683_AustraliaODIs.jpg?type=hq)
Australia ODI team [Source: AFP]
In a surprising turn of events ahead of the second ODI between Australia and Bangladesh in Dhaka, speedster Riley Meredith returned to the ODI playing XI after being out of the team for about five years. The inclusion raised eyebrows on Thursday morning at the toss because the player was not a part of the initial squads announced for the series.
After losing the series opener at the back of a 2-1 series loss against Pakistan just a week ahead of the Bangladesh tour, this is Australia’s desperate attempt to avoid an early series defeat. Previously, the Aussies have only lost one T20I series to Bangladesh, dating back to 2021.
Riley Meredith’s surprise ODI return
Riley Meredith is predominantly known for his T20 bowling last featured in an ODI back in July 2021, when Australia toured the West Indies. This was also his only appearance in the format, and he bowled 5 overs for 0/36.
However, thanks to his consistent performances in the BBL, PSL and The Hundred, he remained relevant in T20 cricket, becoming a marquee bowler for most teams.
He was recently named in the three-match ODI series team against Pakistan but did not feature in the series loss. Furthermore, he is part of the T20I team for the Bangladesh tour but remained a reserve name for the ODIs.
After Australia conceded 284/8 in the first ODI and eventually lost the match by 86 runs (DLS), Meredith was named as Liam Scott’s replacement for the second match. On his debut, Scott had picked 2/57 in 8 overs but did not make the cut for the second ODI.
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Australia’s series hangs by a thread
Following a massive loss in the first game, Australia captain Josh Inglis won the toss and elected to bat first in Mirpur on Thursday. However, things did not go to plan, and both openers were dismissed for ducks, meaning the third duck in a row for Matthew Short.
In what was a golden opportunity to bat long and create an impact, Matthew Renshaw also fell for a 5-ball-duck to the experienced Mustafizur Rahman, as he edged one to the wicketkeeper, Litton Das, like Cooper Connolly.
Bangladesh further tightened the screws with dismissals of Josh Inglis, Alex Carey and Cameron Green, who were looking to spend a long time at the crease to bring the team out of this situation. Before getting out, Inglis looked like the best batter with 34 off 38 to his name, while Green scored 25 from 50.
At the end of the 24th over, Australia were struggling to get past the three-figure mark, and the score reads 101/6. Mustafizur Rahman has been the pick of the bowlers with 3/11 in 5 overs, alongside 2/34 (7) for Tanvir Islam’s left-arm orthodox.
Big task for Riley Meredith on return
After making his much-awaited ODI return, Riley Meredith has a task cut out for him. While Nathan Ellis will lead the pace attack, Meredith will play a crucial role for Australia to stay alive in the series.
Marnus Labuschagne is unbeaten on the crease, alongside Xavier Bartlett, but Meredith and the other bowlers will need to chip in with runs for their own sake as they defend the score on this tricky wicket.
How Meredith and Ellis do in the powerplay remains instrumental for the visitors before the spinners take over with the older ball.
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