Bangladesh promise trial by spin for England

Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza has promised England another trial by spin when they meet in the World Cup in Cardiff Saturday (7.30pm AEST, Kayo and Fox Cricket).

Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow's dominance at the top of the order has been a hallmark of England's rise to become the top-ranked team in one-day internationals.

But the fast starts have been checked with South Africa, in the opening match of the tournament, handing the new ball to leg-spinner Imran Tahir, who dismissed Bairstow for a duck.

Image Id: FD5005E74B374C4FB1FD61C5259DFEBD Image Caption: Jonny Bairstow fell in the first over to spin // GettyIn England's second match, Pakistan opened their bowling with Shadab Khan and the move paid off, with the leg-spinner dismissing Roy cheaply.

The green pitches in Cardiff allowed New Zealand's arsenal of quicks to skittle Sri Lanka last weekend, while Nuwan Pradeep then did the same to Afghanistan.

Image Id: EB4F9B4A07B8466D80A1F9F3F929584F Image Caption: Jason Roy was lbw early against Pakistan // Getty

As a result, England appear likely to recall Liam Plunkett, perhaps at the expense of leg-spinner Adil Rashid.

But Bangladesh will be sticking to their tried-and-tested formula, relying on the spin of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan and Mosaddek Hossain.

"Our spinners all over the world have played a big role, it is one of our biggest strengths," Mortaza told reporters on Friday. 

"We know that Shakib is one of the biggest strengths for us. 

"Miraz has been doing well for a long time. I mean, the last two years, he's doing so well for us with the new ball. 

"South Africa started with these tactics. So most of the teams will be taking them as well."

Bangladesh beat England at both the 2011 and 2015 World Cups.

Image Id: B68E7C7027CB479B87180AC6CDAD8BE3 Image Caption: Bangladesh knocked England out at Adelaide in 2015 // Getty

But the 2019 tournament hosts are a different proposition now, boasting a fearsome batting line-up and a strong bowling unit.

And while England lost to Pakistan in their last match, Mortaza knows his side face a tough task.

"This is one of the best teams England have ever produced, especially in the World Cup," he said.  

"I think still they are in the right way winning matches, and they are in good touch.

"We have been beating them the last two World Cups. That doesn't mean that we will make it happen again the way it did."

2019 World Cup

Australia's squad: Aaron Finch (c), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa

June 1: Australia beat Afghanistan by seven wickets

June 6: Australia beat West Indies by 15 runs

June 9: India v Australia, The Oval

June 12: Australia v Pakistan, Taunton

June 15: Sri Lanka v Australia, The Oval

June 20: Australia v Bangladesh, Trent Bridge

June 25: England v Australia, Lord's

June 29: New Zealand v Australia, Lord's (D/N)

July 6: Australia v South Africa, Old Trafford (D/N)

July 9: Semi-Final 1, Old Trafford

July 11: Semi-Final 2, Edgbaston

July 14: Final, Lord's

For a full list of all World Cup fixtures, click HERE