Australia Bowl Again as Litchfield Misses Bangladesh ODI

Australia chose to bowl against Bangladesh in the third ODI at Allan Border Field in Brisbane, with opener Phoebe Litchfield left out because of a hip complaint and Bangladesh handing seam-bowling allrounder Disha Biswas her debut.

Australia captain Tahlia McGrath won the toss for the third time in the series and again opted to field first. McGrath said the fresh pitch in Brisbane was behind the decision, continuing Australia’s approach from the opening two matches.

The selection changes give the match added importance for both sides. Australia have adjusted their batting order in Litchfield’s absence, while Bangladesh have made three changes as they seek their first win of the series after batting first in both previous games.

Australia alter opening combination after Litchfield absence

Litchfield’s hip complaint forced Australia into one change for the third ODI. Right-arm seamer Nicola Carey came into the XI, while wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney was set to move up and open the innings alongside Georgia Voll.

Mooney’s promotion comes in her 100th ODI, giving Australia an experienced option at the top of the order. The remainder of the side includes Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, captain McGrath, Georgia Wareham, Carey, Kim Garth, Alana King and Megan Schutt.

Australia’s choice to bowl means their attack will take first use of the fresh surface. Schutt, Garth and Carey provide the seam options, with King and Wareham among the spin resources available to McGrath. Sutherland and McGrath also feature in an XI with several allround options.

For Bangladesh, the opening challenge is to build on the totals they produced when batting first in the earlier matches. They made 166 in the first match of the series and 220 for 6 in the second, but arrived in Brisbane still looking for a first victory.

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana said her side also wanted to bowl first, having been asked to bat in both of the previous ODIs. Instead, Bangladesh will again be tasked with setting a target after losing the toss.

Three Bangladesh changes include Biswas debut

Bangladesh made three changes to their side, with Biswas joined by Murshida Khatun and Sultana Khatun. Nahida Akter, Fargana Hoque and Marufa Akter made way.

Biswas’ inclusion marks a debut for the seam-bowling allrounder and provides Bangladesh with a new option in their XI. Murshida Khatun returns to the batting group, while Sultana Khatun is also included as Bangladesh reshape their combination for the third match.

The Bangladesh side is led by wicketkeeper Nigar Sultana and also contains Sarmin Sultana, Sharmin Akhter, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan and Habiba Islam. The team will look to turn its previous batting starts into a more competitive total against an Australia side that has chosen to field on each occasion in the series.

The third ODI therefore begins with notable changes on both sides: Australia have replaced an opening batter and shifted Mooney to the top, while Bangladesh have introduced a debutant as part of a three-player reset. With Australia bowling first in Brisbane, Bangladesh have another opportunity to post a score and challenge the hosts.