Overview
- The Cricket Australia XI beat Bangladesh by an innings and 38 runs after Bangladesh were bowled out for 54 in their second innings on Saturday, with 22-year-old Campbell Thompson taking 8 for 25.
- Thompson had only one prior first-class appearance but used new-ball swing and accurate lines to remove Bangladesh’s top order in a 17-over morning session.
- Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons publicly criticised the batting and said the side must use the limited days before the first Test to fix technical and discipline issues.
- Team medical updates say spinner Taijul Islam’s finger is improving and likely available, but earlier injury problems— including Nahid Rana being ruled out and Litton Das on a delayed fitness timeline—leave selection and depth under pressure.
- The result raises the prospect of a difficult series for Bangladesh when the first Test starts in Darwin on Aug. 13, as they prepare to face Australia’s frontline quicks Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood on unfamiliar pitches.