Thaindian News

Sydney, Apr 14 (ANI): Most Australian players are heading off to join their India Premier League sides after beating Bangladesh 3-0 in just concluded ODI series.

The Australian players have a break until August, when they tour Sri Lanka.

Michael Hussey will join the Super Kings while Shane Watson will strengthen Rajasthan Royals batting.

All-rounder Cameron White will be an important addition to Deccan Chargers. Leg spinner Steven Smith and all-rounder John Hastings will join Kochi Tuskers. Pune warriors also have two Australians in batsman Callum Ferguson and wicketkeeper Tim Paine, who are on national duty in Bangladesh.

Australian captain Michael Clarke praised debutant James Pattinson and fellow youngster Steve Smith for their role in thwarting a threatening Bangladesh run-chase.

Australia completed a clean sweep of their three-game one-day international cricket series with a 66-run win in Dhaka on Wednesday.

But it was not the cruise expected after Mike Hussey’s first one-day century in more than four years helped the visitors’ post 8-361, batting first, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

In reply, Bangladesh’s top-order batsmen helped their side to 1-164 by the 27-over mark, giving them a sniff of what would have been a monumental upset.

Opening batsman Imrul Kayes (93 from 95 balls) batted beautifully.

“On wickets like that you have to bowl in partnerships, you have to work out who the batsman is you’re trying to attack and which batsman, if somebody’s going well, you’re trying to defend,” Clarke said.

“It’s about keeping the bloke who’s going well off strike as much as possible - I thought young James and Smithy did that really well. Smithy bowled very well without too much luck tonight, to be honest.

“He changed his pace really well and probably could have had two or three wickets. It’s very exciting to see young Patto come in and do well and I’m stoked with the result in the series,” Clarke said. (ANI)