Bichel expects Waugh to 'show no mercy'

As Australia get Bangladesh in their sights it is no surprise to see their players taking a tradesmanlike approach to the prospective biggest mismatch of Test history.

Under the structure of the International Cricket Council's Test Championship every country is obliged to play all the others within a five-year time frame. Bangladesh's time has arrived to be exposed to the might of the undisputed world champions.

Former players, no doubt fearful of the prospective bumper crop of statistics adding to their own diminution of status, have been vocal in their contempt of the series. But the players are bound to go through with it, and Andy Bichel, for one, has taken the view that the only way Bangladesh can improve is by playing against the best sides.

Just to make certain there is no overconfidence in the home camp before the two-Test series which is breaking new ground by introducing Darwin and Cairns as the latest Test venues, Bichel was hopeful everyone in the team was on their mark so Australia could win. Heaven help them if they lose.

He expected captain Steve Waugh to "show no mercy" going into the series, but Bichel was mindful that it was also important for the Australians to make a good impression to their countrymen who attend the matches.

The Australians meet in Sydney this weekend to begin their preparation before flying to Darwin for the first Test which starts next Friday.