Lehmann eyes Tigers' top order

Although the recent selection drama over Mominul Haque attracted all the headlines as the left-hander made a comeback after initially being left out of the squad, according to Australia coach Darren Lehmann Bangladesh's top order will be a crucial factor in the upcoming Test series for the visitors.

The Aussie coach is well aware of the threat from the Tigers batting line-up, especially at home, and is planning to neutralise that strength.

"They have got some quality batsmen all the way down the list. They actually got a really good record at home. They did well against England. Their top order is a key to how they bat. So we have to make early inroads with the new ball. It will spin and probably reverse, the way the wicket goes. They have good depth and are a good side at home. We made some inroads into India but we still lost that series. The challenge for us is to win a series away from home," the former Australia cricketer told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur after completing their training well before the scheduled time yesterday.

Meanwhile, the visitors have already chalked out their plans, keeping the pitch and conditions in mind. Lehmann informed that they are yet to finalise the playing eleven but hinted that they might go with two spinners. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon and left arm spinner Ashton Agar are almost shoo-ins for the first Test, with Lehmann saying that the latter lends flexibility to the team.

Australia captain Steve Smith (C) is disappointed after a bout of heavy rain cut short their afternoon training session at the BCB Academy ground yesterday. Photo: Star

"We obviously haven't played too much so we know where we want to go. It is a decision we make after we look at the Test wicket and conditions. Mostly likely, I think we will play two spinners.

"His [Agar's] lengths are a lot better. He has had a good Sheffield Shield season last year. Young Swepson is a good prospect as a leg-spinner. We have Holland back home who has bowled well. It is really tight between all the spinners. But Ashton batted really well and he is a gun fielder. We are really pleased for him.

"We are hoping for Ashton to reproduce that sort of form. He [Holland] was excellent over there [in Darwin] but we have decided to go with Ashton. He has got an all-round game that he hopefully can take to the next level. For example, when we play three quicks, he can play up the order. He gives us a lot of flexibility in that way," he said.

The 47-year-old is not concerned about the pitch in Mirpur; instead he said that the shorter the game the more exciting it will be to play.