Australia, the three-time defending World Cup champion, crashed out in the quarterfinals two weeks ago for its worst tournament result in 19 years. Ricky Ponting resigned as Test and ODI skipper after nine years, but agreed to play on under Michael Clarke, who said he was feeling “added pressure” as the new skipper.

Clarke was also feeling confident, expecting a series whitewash.

“I would like it to be 3-0,” he said on Friday at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, the venue for all three matches.

“I want to see Australia play some really good, positive cricket and hopefully we can win every game.” His confidence was understandable. Australia was still the No. 1-ranked ODI team, and has lost only once to Bangladesh, six years ago in Cardiff.

Clarke and Australia also made a good start to the short tour by beating a Bangladesh Cricket Board XI by 90 runs at Fatullah on Thursday. Clarke, Ponting, Brad Haddin and Michael Hussey scored half centuries, and all-rounder John Hastings, unused in the World Cup, took a hat trick.

“Yesterday was some really good preparation,” Clarke said.

Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan reacted to Clarke by saying, “We want to spoil their dream, we want to upset them.” The World Cup was a severe blow to Bangladesh pride.

Despite playing at home, the team failed to get out of the group stage, and suffered humiliating defeats against West Indies and South Africa in front of angry home fans in Sher-e-Bangla.

Shakib was keen to please their supporters this time.

“Our expectations didn't come true in the World Cup but that was not the end of the world,” he said. “We have been fortunate to get another chance to prove ourselves.

Hopefully the team will take the chance positively.” Before the World Cup, Bangladesh's hopes were stoked by ODI series wins against New Zealand and Zimbabwe.

Fast bowler Mashrafe bin Mortaza, who missed the World Cup because of a knee injury, was fit and available, Shakib said.

The pitch, however, was expected to be low and slow.

Clarke said he wasn't underestimating Bangladesh.

“Bangladesh in their home conditions makes them even tougher,” he said.

“I think Bangladesh played some really good cricket over the last few years. They are probably getting more consistent. No doubt, they have a lot of talent, and I think we have to be at our best (to win).” He said Ponting's presence was a boost.

“Ricky's advice has always been very helpful to me whether that was when I was his vice-captain or now as the captain,” he said.

“I have certainly said openly to Ricky that his knowledge of the game everybody in the team will continue to need.

“His knowledge is crucial to the team for going forward.

Certainly I don't want to change our relationship as it has always been very strong on and off the field.” Clarke said he expected Ponting to get more runs under his leadership.

“He made some runs yesterday, he is really in a good nick, and scored a century against India recently in this World Cup. I am confident that he will come here and score some runs tomorrow,” he said.

The other games are on Monday and Wednesday.
 
Australia: Michael Clarke (captain), Shane Watson, Xavier Doherty, Callum Ferguson, Brad Haddin, John Hastings, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Tim Paine, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Steve Smith, Cameron White.

Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Alok Kapali, Shahriar Nafees, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Mashrafe Mortaza, Shafiul Islam, Abdur Razzak, Rubel Hossain.