Australia 254 for 8 after Bangladesh win toss and opt to bowl 30 Aug, 2008 © AFP
Australia were 254 for eight off 50 overs after being sent in to bat in their one-day international against Bangladesh at the TIO Stadium on Saturday. Bangladesh earlier won the toss and chose to bowl first in the first one-day international taking place in the Australian city of Darwin. Michael Clarke was leading the Australians in the absence of the injured Ricky Ponting and the home side 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. In a major surprise, star all-rounder Andrew Symonds was left out of the Australian team and was reportedly to be sent home without taking any part in the series. Cricket Australia officials would not confirm it was for a breach of discipline, but said there would be a press conference to follow the match. In 2005, Symonds was suspended for two games after a drinking binge prior to Australia's only loss in 13 one-dayers against Bangladesh, and was fortunate not be sent home from that Ashes tour. Already down to 13 men due to the withdrawal of Matthew Hayden (achilles), Australia will add a replacement to their squad. Teams Australia: Michael Clarke (C), Michael Hussey, Brad Haddin, Shaun Marsh, David Hussey, James Hopes, Cameron White, Brett Geeves, Mitchell Johnson, Stuart Clark, Nathan Bracken. Bangladesh: Mohammad Ashraful (C), Mashrafe Mortaza, Tamim Iqbal, Raqibul Hassan, Shakib Al Hasan, Alok Kapali, Dhiman Ghosh, Abdur Razzak, Shahadat Hossain, Mehrab Hossain, Nazmul Hossain. Umpires: Peter Parker (AUS), Amiesh Saheba (IND) TV Replays: Bruce Oxenford (AUS) Reserve: Rod Tucker (AUS) Match referee: Javagal Srinath (IND) | 
