Australia’s dominant women’s cricket team will not be featured on television for the first time this decade as networks were unable to secure the broadcast rights for their tour of Bangladesh.
Australia – Bangladesh
Women’s cricket tour
March 21: 1st ODI, 2:30pm AEDTMarch 24: 2nd ODI, 2:30pm AEDTMarch 27: 3rd ODI, 2:30pm AEDTMarch 31: 1st T20I, 5:00pm AEDTApril 2: 2nd T20I, 5:00pm AEDTApril 4, 3rd T20I, 5:00pm AEDT
All games played in Dhaka
Alyssa Healy’s team will kick off their series against Bangladesh with three one-day internationals in Dhaka on Thursday, followed by three Twenty20 matches, serving as their final preparation before the upcoming World Cup in September and October.
This visit to Bangladesh is Australia’s first since 2014, with only four players from the current squad having previous experience playing in the country.
However, Australian fans will not be able to watch the matches on TV as Foxtel failed to acquire the broadcasting rights, marking the first time since 2019 that Australia’s women’s matches will not be televised.
It has been reported that Foxtel approached the Bangladesh Cricket Board but was unable to secure the rights.
This situation mirrors the men’s tour of Bangladesh in 2021, which was also not televised in Australia.
Instead, the matches will be streamed on the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s YouTube channel.
Only some of the commentary during last year’s women’s matches between Bangladesh and India, streamed on the channel, was in English.
Australia’s coach Shelley Nitschke expressed hope that the situation would be resolved, stating, “Anytime we can get our games broadcast is a win for us. But also to be able to get those games in particular — it’s good for the global game, for people to be able to see that Bangladesh are competing and going really well.”
Australia faces uncertainty heading into the series against Bangladesh due to the lack of broadcast matches from the country. Coaches have had to rely on sometimes low-quality streams of men’s matches and the women’s series between Bangladesh and India last year.
Expect slower wickets, with Sophie Molineux returning and looking to make her case for the World Cup squad.
Nitschke mentioned, “We’ve gathered some information and data about the venue in Dhaka. We don’t visit there often. It was a possibility that we could have gone to the World Cup and that would have been our first time there. You wouldn’t want to miss that.”
Bangladesh relies heavily on spin bowlers, delivering 44 overs of spin in their last home ODI against Pakistan.
Nitschke commented, “They play a different style of cricket to us, which probably suits their conditions. They’re quite clever in their approach, using changes of pace effectively.”
AAP
Sports content to make you think… or allow you not to. A newsletter delivered each Friday.
Related Posts
Elon Musk and OpenAI both reach $500 billion valuation
Elon Musk has become the first person with an estimated net worth of $US500 billion, primarily from Tesla and SpaceX shares, while OpenAI also reached a $US500 billion valuation after a significant share sale. Musk's wealth, which surpasses that of Larry Ellison by $150 billion, is difficult to estimate due to many of his companies being privately held, and Tesla remains central to his fortune. Want More Context? 🔎
Read more
Eiffel Tower Closed Due to French Budget Cuts Protest
Protesters across over 200 towns and cities in France have rallied against spending cuts and called for higher taxes on the wealthy, with significant demonstrations in Paris. The strikes, organized by major unions and driven by political unrest and budget discussions, highlight growing social discontent, especially as Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has yet to reveal his budget plans amid ongoing austerity concerns. Want More Context? 🔎
Read more
Aussie Detained in Bangkok for Criticizing Malaysia
An Australian man, Murray Hunter, was arrested in Thailand on a defamation charge linked to Malaysia's government for articles he wrote in 2024. Hunter, who claims to be a victim of transnational repression, was released on bail and faces a court appearance, raising concerns over the use of cross-border legal actions to silence critics. Want More Context? 🔎
Read more
India Defeats West Indies in ODI Match
Mohammed Siraj took 4-40 and Jasprit Bumrah 3-42 as India bowled out the West Indies for 162 on the first day of the Test in Ahmedabad, with Justin Greaves top-scoring at 32. By stumps, India had reached 121-2, trailing by 41 runs, with Lokesh Rahul unbeaten on 53 and Shubman Gill at 18, continuing a streak of 25 Tests without a West Indies win against India since 2002. Want More Context? 🔎
Read more
Australia Defeats China; PNG Pursues Defence Treaty
Up to 10,000 Papua New Guineans could join the Australian Defence Force under the newly approved Pukpuk Treaty, aimed at enhancing PNG's defence capabilities and fostering a formal alliance between the nations. Despite concerns over sovereignty and neutrality, Prime Minister Marape asserts the treaty will strengthen security and respect PNG's constitutional provisions. Want More Context? 🔎
Read more
Stabbing and Car Incident at Heaton Park Synagogue
Four people were injured near the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, when a car was driven at pedestrians, and a man was stabbed; police shot the suspected offender. Greater Manchester Police and emergency services responded quickly, establishing a cordon and advising the public to avoid the area while assessing the situation. Want More Context? 🔎
Read more