Langer looking forward to Bangladesh series

It may have the look of the biggest mismatch in history, but Justin Langer insisted Australia's two-Test series against Bangladesh is important for the game.

Despite Bangladesh's woeful Test record: 18 losses out of 19 matches, Langer said he was looking forward to the series between the world's top and bottom-ranked teams, which starts at the Marrara Oval on Friday.

Langer said: "I will certainly be respectful to the Bangladeshis, they've earned the right to play Test cricket." He continued: "I'm looking forward to (it), particularly playing in Darwin and Cairns, it's a good opportunity for cricket."

He added: "It's great for cricket in general. I think it's important not to look at your own backyard, but it's always a bigger picture. It's great to have Bangladesh playing a Test match against Australia."

Talking on the new drop-in Darwin pitch, Langer said it looked magnificent: "The wicket looks nice and flat. I've played at a lot worse Test stadiums. It's going to be a great place to play."

Meanwhile, John Buchanan, the Australia coach, has told his team to ease off the sledging if they want to command the respect their achievements deserve. Speaking ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh, Buchanan said: "The players concerned let their team down and they let themselves down. They lose respect and team-mates are distracted."

This series follows Australia's tour of the Caribbean, which was marred by ugly and bitter confrontations, including Glenn McGrath and Ramnaresh Sarwan, and Steve Waugh and Brian Lara.