Taking Bangladesh’s gleaming showcases in the one-day internationals both at home and abroad into account the touring England skipper Josh Buttler acknowledged that it would be very tough to beat the hosts when they encounter them at their ground in the upcoming three ODIs starting on March 1.
He also believes that, with the forthcoming ICC World Cup 2023, which is scheduled to be held in October-November this year in India, in mind, they are all set to accept the challenge as they will feature in the marquee tournament in similar conditions.
‘Yes, its great challenge for us, we see Bangladesh very tough to beat in their home conditions, it is exactly the kind of challenge we need ahead of the World Cup, not too far away and test ourselves in condition we will find hard, said Buttler on Sunday in an official press conference in Mirpur.
‘This is the conditions that would probably be the closest we can get to play in India. So it’s a great challenge for us and we are very excited for the series,’ he added.
Bangladesh have been showcasing relentless decent shows in the 50-over game at home since the beginning of 2015, and that has continued until now.
During this span of time, Bangladesh have recorded notable victories over major opponents such as India, South Africa, Pakistan, England, Australia, New Zealand, and the West Indies.
And perhaps their most anticipated victory came last year during their visit to South Africa, when they won the three-match ODI series 2-1, giving the selectors confidence that they will do so again this time.
However, the majority of their victories have come on slow and low tracks, where they have even beaten top-ranked teams such as Australia and New Zealand at their best.
The World Champions captain, however, does not expect anything different from the previous series.
‘Expecting slows and low wicket, expecting the condition that would be tough for us, which is what exactly we want. That’s kind of challenge we want as a team to test ourselves in tough conditions.
Apart from Buttler, a good number of current England players, including David Malan, Jofra Archer, Chris Jordan, Jason Roy, and Moeen Ali, have played in the Bangladesh Premier League over the years.
Among them, Moeen and Malan have vied in the recently concluded BPL in the outfits of Comilla Victorians.
The English captain believes the experience they gained playing in the subcontinent, will aid them greatly when they face their Bangladesh counterpart at their lodge.
‘We have lot of guys in the last few years exposed to playing in sub-continent condition, number of guys been here played in the Bangladesh Premier League who have a bit of an idea about what to expect, though that does not make any easier the challenge.’
