Seam-bowling all-rounder Nicola Carey said on Wednesday that Australia will not underestimate Bangladesh ahead of the three-match Women's ODI series starting in Brisbane on Friday, specifically flagging the visitors' spin bowling resources as a genuine challenge.

Key Developments

Australia head into the series missing several frontline players. Injured captain Sophie Molineux is unavailable, as are fast bowlers Lucy Hamilton and Darcie Brown. Both Molineux and Hamilton were present at the team's training session at Allan Border Field on Wednesday afternoon, continuing their rehabilitation alongside the squad.

National selector Shawn Flegler had earlier hinted at possible additions to the touring group, but the 12-member roster remains unchanged for the series opener.

What Nicola Carey Said

'We don't play them that often, but we know they've got some great spinners. They're a competitive team, and cricket around the world's, the standards are lifting every year, so we're expecting a quality side in these three games as well,' Carey told reporters on Wednesday.

She added that the squad is entering the series in strong form: 'We're coming into this series full of confidence. I think we're in a good spot, the girls know what they need to do and how they want to go about it. There's a lot of focus on us and how we want to go about the game.'

Historical Context

The two nations have met in just six ODIs to date, and the current assignment marks Bangladesh's maiden bilateral tour to Australia. Their most recent 50-over World Cup meeting saw Australia record a dominant ten-wicket win. The series thus represents a significant milestone for women's cricket in Bangladesh.

Australia's T20 World Cup Momentum

Australia arrive in this series having put behind consecutive semi-final exits at major global events, instead claiming the Women's T20 World Cup title in England earlier this year with an unbeaten run through the tournament.

Leg-spinner Alana King credited the leadership group — led by head coach Shelley Nitschke (referred to as 'Shell') and captain Molineux — for the team's tactical clarity. 'I think we're all very comfortable in the style of play we want to be playing, and it's driven from Shell and Soph and the leadership group as well. There's just a lot of accountability from everyone to play their role and do it as best as they can, there's a lot of freedom … that's how we want to play our cricket, no matter what format we play,' King said.

Reflecting on Molineux's milestone, King said: 'Led beautifully by Sophie Molineux as well in her first World Cup to lift a trophy, that's pretty special for her and us as a whole group. Hopefully that's not the end and it's going to be the start of some pretty special stuff.'

What's Next

The first ODI gets underway in Brisbane on Friday, 10 October. With Australia minus three key players, Bangladesh's spinners will have a genuine opportunity to test a reshuffled home line-up — and the three-match series will offer valuable context ahead of the next ICC women's event cycle.