Bangladesh seek strong start in historic Australia ODI series

Bangladesh will begin one of the biggest challenges in their women's cricket calendar on Friday when they face Australia in the opening ODI of a three-match series at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.

The series marks Bangladesh's first bilateral ODI tour of Australia, giving Nigar Sultana Joty's side a rare opportunity to measure themselves against one of the strongest teams in the world on unfamiliar conditions. The second and third matches will also be played in Brisbane on October 11 and 14.

The visitors enter the series without the ideal preparation. Bangladesh suffered a 72-run defeat to Queensland Fire in their only warm-up match on October 6, a rain-affected game reduced to 36 overs. Sharmin Akter Supta's 68 and Sobhana Mostary's 49 provided some encouragement, while teenage pacer Habiba Islam Pinky impressed with four wickets.

Joty will lead Bangladesh in the ODIs after giving up the T20I captaincy following the Asian Games, with Nahida Akter serving as vice-captain. The squad also includes uncapped all-rounder Disha Biswas and pacer Habiba, while experienced batter Farzana Haque and returning batter Murshida Khatun have been brought back into the ODI setup.

Australia, meanwhile, come into the series as the reigning Women's T20 World Cup champions. Tahlia McGrath will captain the hosts after Sophie Molineux was ruled out of the ODIs with a hip injury. Australia are also without pace options Lucy Hamilton and Darcie Brown because of injuries.

Despite those absences, Australia possess considerable experience in players such as Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner and Annabel Sutherland. They have also won all 21 of their women's ODIs at Allan Border Field.

Bangladesh therefore face a steep task, but the series offers more than results. It is a chance for the Tigresses to test their skills against elite opposition and build confidence in conditions they rarely encounter.

For Joty and her young squad, a competitive start could set the tone for a landmark tour.