A new look England batting order could feature as the visitors begin their controversial tour of Bangladesh with a handful of regular names missing from the teamsheet. It will be a chance to impress for some of England's fringe players, but they will have to be wary of a talented host nation looking to continue a run of good form.

The hosts are the team to beat this year

For a large chunk of the modern era, Bangladesh have often been recognised as the whipping boys in the international circle of the game. Yet over the last year they have well and truly put their name amongst cricket's finest nations in the 50 over version of the game after a stunning term of white ball cricket.

The fairytale story began last year at the 2015 World Cup, where they shocked the globe by defeating their tour opponents and knocking Eoin Morgan's men out of the competition. Since then Bangladesh have enjoyed five ODI series competitions, all of which at home, and won them all.

They were expected to defeat Afghanistan and Zimbabwe but continued their rise with victories against fellow Asian nations India and Pakistan, who would have been used to the conditions despite being away from home. Add to that the demise of South Africa and you can certainly build a case for Bangladesh to be the form nation in ODI cricket.

England have been just as clinical following that shock defeat last year. After an interior movement that saw England's style of play completely transformed, they have enjoyed victories over New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, not once but twice against the latter. Although they cannot boast an unbeaten record like their opposition, they only lost 3-2 against both South African and World Champions Australia in two close encounters.

Duckett is the master of the sweep shot (photo: Getty Images)
Duckett is the master of the sweep shot (photo: Getty Images)

A chance to impress for England's batters

Unfortunately for the visitors, controversy has clouded the start of the tour with captain Morgan and opening batter Alex Hales pulling out because of security fears. With star player Joe Root rested until the Test Series, an opening has become available for young Northamptonshire Steelbacks star Ben Duckett.

The top order batsman has impressed for both his county and the England Lions in various formats of the sport and has been rewarded with a place on the tour.

Mark Wood misses out with an ankle injury that has fragmented his season, allowing potential opportunities for Steven Finn and Jake Ball once more. Bangladesh have also made a change to their bowling department with Al-Amin Hossain recalled after missing their recent series against Afghanistan.

With only three scheduled ODI matches between these two form nations, the first contest in Dhaka is an important one to win. England will hope a victory will set them on their way to a series whitewash, as they compiled six years ago when they last toured Bangladesh.

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