Australia sets competitive target
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Shaun Marsh hits out on his way to 76. (Getty Images: Robert Cianflone)
Australia brushed off several key absences and the shock departure of Andrew Symonds to set Bangladesh a strong victory target of 255 in their first one-day international in Darwin today.
Michael Hussey (85) and Shaun Marsh (76) starred for Australia as the hosts compiled a competitive 8 for 254 from 50 overs at at the TIO Stadium.
Symonds was dropped from the match and sent home for missing a team meeting on Friday to go fishing.
Australian opener James Hopes was dismissed for 22 while Clarke went cheaply for 14 as the hosts got off to a shaky start, before Hussey and Marsh joined forces to steady the ship.
Marsh was eventually dismissed when he was bowled by Razzak, while Hussey suffered a similar fate when Hossain rattled his stumps in the 43rd over.
David Hussey provided the only contribution of real note in the lower order, chipping in with a quickfire 24 from 22 deliveries.
Australia named Tasmanian Brett Geeves to make his international debut in the first game of the three-match series.
All-rounder Shane Watson was left to carry the drinks for Australia.
Symonds sent home
Symonds was dropped prior to the match on the recommendation of the team's leadership group.
He boarded a flight home from Darwin earlier this afternoon.
CA says a media conference will be held after today's game to discuss the reasons for Symonds' departure.
Symonds has been in trouble with team management in the past over his behaviour.
He was left out of the team for a one-day match against Bangladesh during Australia's tour of England in 2005 after arriving for the game under the influence of alcohol.
