Bangladesh captain feels healthy competition within squad key to improvement

The Tigers have just beaten Australia for the first time ever in an ODI series, which followed victories against West Indies, Pakistan and New Zealand in consecutive series since October last year.

While a strong pace-bowling group has emerged, led by Nahid Rana, the batters have also found some consistent form in the 50-over format.

"Every position in our team now has competition," Mehidy said. "We have three openers in our squad. We have given opportunity in the previous ODI series (against New Zealand), giving them a different position at times.

"We wanted to check their suitability. I felt that playing two openers in the top order is the better option. There's competition within the top order."

Mehidy also made the point that the different captains in each format came together to agree that Bangladesh will play on more sporty pitches at home if they were to improve.

The visiting Australia team were surprised by how helpful the surfaces were towards the fast bowlers when they were expecting raging turners.

Mehidy added: "The three captains of the respective formats are in constant conversation about developing Bangladesh cricket. We discuss on the areas that need improvement.

"One of the first things we did was change the type of wickets on which we play. We want to play on sporting pitches.

"I think everyone including the Australians thought we would be producing spin tracks. We put out true, sporting wickets. We trusted every player that if we play well, we will get the results. We backed the team."