WA spinner starred with six wickets before the Bangladesh quicks made inroads late on day one
Corey Rocchiccioli has put his hand up to lead Australia’s next crop of spinners, reaffirming Allan Border’s assertion that “he gets people out” with a six-wicket haul against Bangladesh.
The 28-year-old West Australia off-spinner is in a battle with Victoria’s Todd Murphy to take over when Nathan Lyon retires from Test cricket and he made an early season statement in Darwin on the opening day of the three-day clash.
Rocchiccioli took 6-83 from 24 overs to help the Cricket Australia XI restrict Bangladesh to 263 at Marrara Cricket Ground.
He snared 38 wickets in 10 Sheffield Shield matches last season at an average of 28.18 for WA to continue the hot form he has displayed in the past three seasons.
Rocchiccioli’s aim is to take the next step in his career.
“It is a dream. I want to play Test cricket and play for Australia but right now my journey and my stepping stone is … playing what is in front of me,” Rocchiccioli said after day one against Bangladesh.
“If you keep performing you get the right to have your name in the calculations.
“It was a different wicket to what I was expecting. I have played a lot of games up here and a lot of the time it is not as tacky or spinny early as it was today.
“I was quite happy when we got to bowl.”
The Bangladesh innings was held together by a blistering and unbeaten 109 by star allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who faced just 141 deliveries.
The Aussie side made a shocking start to their innings with openers Campbell Kellaway (0) and Sam Konstas (1) both falling before stumps.
The duo have a chance this summer to put pressure on the Australia top order and will be hoping to make amends with runs in the second innings.
Kurtis Patterson (26no) and Josh Philippe (22no) carried the hosts through to 2-51 at stumps.
Bangladesh tour of Australia
Warm-up match v Cricket Australia XI, August 6-8, Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin, 10am (local)
First Test: August 13-17, Marrara Stadium, Darwin, 10am (local)
Second Test: August 22-26, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, 10am (local)
