Dry deck no excuse for Aussie Test side

Nathan Lyon says Australia are well-equipped to handle a dry pitch during the first Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka.

Australia's Nathan Lyon

Nathan Lyon says Australia is equipped to handle a dry pitch during the first Test in Dhaka. (AAP)

Intrigue surrounds the pitch for Sunday's first Test against Bangladesh but offspinner Nathan Lyon has declared Australia ready to handle a potential dustbowl.

The Australians remain in the dark about the deck they will play on in Dhaka after training on the main ground at the Sher-E-Bangla stadium for the first time on Friday.

Of the two pitches that were uncovered, one appeared to be pre-used while another had more grass.

Lyon sought answers from Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha during a function in Dhaka on Thursday night, but his former NSW coach was giving nothing away.

Either way, Lyon says there'll be no excuses for Australia's squad when the two-Test series gets underway, with skipper Steve Smith maintaining the 'no-whingeing' policy he introduced in India.

Lyon said the squad would take plenty of heart from their series-opening victory over India on a crumbling deck in Pune, in which he and former spin partner Steve O'Keefe combined for 17 wickets.

"I think Steve as captain has really drilled that into the team, that no matter what we're playing on, it's the same for both teams, it's just about adapting," Lyon said.

"I think that's one of Smithy's strengths as the captain, he's been able to direct us and lead us in that way.

"We saw a range of different wickets in India.

"I think after winning on probably the worst pitch I've ever played on in Pune, it's given the Australian cricket team a lot of confidence, especially when you beat the No.1 team in their backyard.

"Unfortunately we didn't win the series but I think as a team, especially a young team, we can take a lot out of playing and winning on a wicket like that."

Left-arm spinner Ashton Agar is the hot favourite to replace the dumped O'Keefe as Lyon's partner, with selectors unlikely to gamble on uncapped legspinner Mitchell Swepson.

Australian coach Darren Lehmann said it was a distinct possibility Bangladesh would play three spinners in a bid to capitalise on their favourable home conditions.

"I'm pretty sure we'll play two spinners. They may play three," Lehmann told FiveAA radio.

"They'll turn, probably not as much in India, a bit more slower-turning as such, but they'll be reasonable wickets.

"They'll be challenging, as you'd expect when you come to the subcontinent."


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Source: AAP



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