Handscomb aims to emulate Ranchi template

Australia's young batsmen have a clear blueprint they would like to adopt mentally and on the field during the two-Test series in Bangladesh: the Ranchi Test against India earlier this year. In that Test, the visitors went into the final day trailing India by 152 with eight wickets in hand before fighting their way to a draw. Key to that effort was Peter Handscomb, who struck an unbeaten 72, and he stated that a similar mindset could benefit the side in Bangladesh, too.

"Obviously for me it was quite an important innings but also for the team," Handscomb said. "I think the whole team has been able to take a lot from that as well as what Shaun Marsh did. Playing as a left-hander, the ball spinning out of the rough and Jadeja and Ashwin bowling really well. I think we will be going with a pretty similar mindset to how we played in India. Hopefully that's a good start for us."

Handscomb stated Australia's lack of experience in the conditions - none of the 14 players have played in Bangladesh before - will not be a problem. He felt inexperience in subcontinent conditions could work in Australia's favour as fewer bad memories would allow batsmen to play with a more open mind.

"We don't have the experience in the subcontinent as much as the other players," he said. "Renshaw and myself were quite lucky to play in India, which will put us in good stead for these two Test matches.

"I actually don't think it is a bad thing as well, going in to the subcontinent with an open mind. I think if you haven't played too many games in the subcontinent, you are not too worried about what the ball might do. You can play with a bit more freedom, rather than going in with the expectations that the ball will do everything."

Handscomb said that Australia's preparation in Darwin, particularly the intra-squad three-day game, should suffice if the two-day practice match in Fatullah, scheduled for August 22 and 23, is called off. The ground has been waterlogged over the last few weeks but the Bangladesh Cricket Board is insisting the venue will be ready in time for the game. Australia, however, would not mind only training sessions in Mirpur in the run-up to the first Test, which starts from August 27.

"I don't think we will be going into that first Test cold, regardless of whether the tour match goes ahead or not," Handscomb said. "We had a great preparation up in Darwin. We managed to play an intra-squad three-day game there. I think everyone got what they needed out of it.

"We know obviously that the BCB is doing everything they can to get the pitches up for us. Whatever training we get here depends on the weather of course. I am sure the boys will be fine and ready to go."