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Marnus Labuschagne Hails Bangladesh's Rise Ahead of Final ODI After Series Loss
Cricket Gully | June 14, 2026 3:39 AM CST

Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne has complimented the development of Bangladesh cricket after the hosts took an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the ODI series. Labuschagne, speaking ahead of the final ODI match at Dhaka, has pointed to Bangladesh's seam attack, as well as the host's development as a whole.

 

The fact Bangladesh were so convincingly able to beat the Aussies on this occasion has earned a lot of attention due to the hosts relying on sportingly competitive wickets this time round, unlike in years gone by, where slow and turning surfaces have been the norm throughout cricket. They have put their fast bowlers to the fore throughout this series, with the likes of Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and Nahid Rana leading the charge.

 

Labuschagne has acknowledged the quality of the Bangladesh attack and how much of a problem it was to the Australian batting lineup.

 

"I think they've got a really good pace bowling attack that can also get a lot out of a wicket with a bit of pace and bounce and seam."

 

Bangladesh's Pace Attack Earns Respect

 

Australia batsman feels that his side has missed the boat in the first two ODI's with the chance to put pressure on the home side, with the fielding in particular lacking.

 

"At times we've probably missed those opportunities in the field. I think game one, I dropped that catch at second slip, and you take that catch and you put a bit of pressure on, and that total can pretty much come down to anything from 200 if you get a few wickets in that power play. So I think the opportunities have been there for us and we just haven't taken them in the field."

 

It wasn't all a lack of effort from Australia though as Labuschagne was also impressed by the pitches being used throughout this ODI series.

 

"And yeah, it is really nice to come to Bangladesh and see wickets with a bit of pace and bounce, where we just came from Lahore playing on pretty low, slow, spinning wickets."

 

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Australia Looking to Avoid Whitewash

 

Despite falling to an unsurmountable deficit in this ODI series, Labuschagne stressed that there was no sign of underestimation on Australia's part, fully aware of the skill in the Bangladesh batting lineup.

 

"Coming into this series, there was certainly no underestimation of Bangladesh. I think playing against a few of their players in the PSL, Shoriful, Rana, Fizz, you really got to see how good those players were."

 

He also highlighted Bangladesh's previous results to suggest the home side's rapid progression.

 

"Bangladesh has been very impressive and it's certainly something we're going to make sure we're really prepared for when they come to Australia."

 

Although Australia's final ODI encounter preparations has been postponed due to the torrential downpour and thunderstorms that had graced Dhaka, Labuschagne said Australia is focused on ending this series on a high.

 

"Certainly, every game you lose is frustrating and you want to win games. We're going to make sure we come ready to go tomorrow."

 

The Australians will hope to at least prevent a 3-0 whitewash, although Bangladesh will be looking to complete the clean sweep over the current World Champions.


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