Mortaza the MP: A leader in more ways than one

Almost fourteen years on from celebrating his country's first and only ODI victory over Australia with a limousine ride around Cardiff, Bangladesh stalwart Mashrafe Mortaza believes his side are capable of pulling off a repeat at Trent Bridge tonight.

Bangladesh's famous triumph over Ricky Ponting's men in the opening encounter of their ill-fated 2005 Ashes tour is remembered by Australian fans as the game from which Andrew Symonds was infamously scratched after enjoying the Welsh nightlife a little too enthusiastically the previous evening.

But for Mortaza, the only still-active cricketer of the 22 who featured in that encounter, the game holds far different memories.

"That night suddenly, (a) limousine was coming in front of the hotel and everyone was inside," the Bangladesh captain said on the eve of their World Cup clash with Australia.

"I can remember everything we did in that particular day and night. I hope that the same day will be coming tomorrow, but for that we have to play hard and at our best."

The historic victory against Ponting's all-conquering side remains Bangladesh’s only win over Australia in 18 completed ODIs.

Image Id: 0D7226E0623D490796D4E8DD09BA969E Image Caption: An elated Bangladesh squad celebrate their 2005 win over Australia // Getty

Mortaza played a key hand in their victory, trapping Adam Gilchrist lbw with the second ball of the match after Ponting elected to bat first on a moist pitch, a decision he regretted.

Then just 21 years old, Mortaza went on to concede just 33 runs from his 10-over stint against a power-packed outfit featuring names like Hayden, Clarke, Martyn and Hussey.

Come Thursday, however, it means little.

"It's been a nice memory … Obviously Australia was very strong," the now 35-year-old said.

"(But the Bangladesh team) has been changed a lot. I know a few players are in our dressing room who believe we can beat anybody.

"I always believed that in the past, whatever we have done, it's not going to help tomorrow. It's a new day, it's a new match. You have to start from the first ball."

Bangladesh are riding high on the back of Shakib al-Hasan's stunning recent form, with the world's No.1 ranked ODI allrounder posting back-to-back tons against tournament favourites England and then West Indies.

While Mortaza stressed his side are not a "one-man army", he called on teammates to "step up" to support Shakib.

The fifth-placed Tigers loom as the team most likely to dislodge one of the top current four sides if they can cause an upset over Australia or India in the coming weeks.

"Australia always play at their best in the World Cup. It won't be easy," the skipper said. "But these boys can believe, especially if you had a good start, you never know."

While he may not possess the same zip he did a decade-and-a-half ago that proved too much for Gilchrist, Mortaza is Bangladesh's all-time leading wicket taker and leads a team that has increasingly heightened expectations.

Few could argue the veteran is not equipped to deal with the pressure of leading a side that represents 165 million passionate fans.

Ranked the 98th most famous athlete on the planet by ESPN earlier this year, in a list topped by Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James and Lionel Messi, Mortaza led Bangladesh to the quarter-finals of the 2015 World Cup when they famously ended England's campaign with victory in Adelaide.

Image Id: 6441D07882914A3B9F45C2DD4FD3D28F Image Caption: Bangladesh celebrate their famous 2015 win over England in Adelaide // Getty

Incredibly, he's also six months into his tenure as a sitting member of the Bangladesh national parliament, having won his local seat of Narail-2 for the ruling Awami League party only weeks after captaining the Tigers to a home ODI series win over West Indies late last year.

Such is his popularity in his hometown, more than 96 per cent of the votes were cast in his favour despite him only beginning his election campaign a week before the people went to the polls.

While he's yet to make a call on his playing career beyond this World Cup, a career in public service awaits.

"I always had the impulse for politics," Mortaza wrote in a Facebook post leading into the election. "I always believed that development in our country is not possible strongly without politics … now I have the opportunity to do something for my country.

"I don't know what is awaiting me after the 2019 World Cup. I value my time and I am paying attention to it. I believe that everything has to be done at the right time."

2019 World Cup

Australia's squad: Aaron Finch (c), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa

June 1: Australia beat Afghanistan by seven wickets

June 6: Australia beat West Indies by 15 runs

June 9: Australia lost to India by 36 runs

June 12: Australia beat Pakistan by 41 runs

June 15: Australia beat Sri Lanka by 87 runs

June 20: Australia v Bangladesh, Trent Bridge

June 25: England v Australia, Lord's

June 29: New Zealand v Australia, Lord's (D/N)

July 6: Australia v South Africa, Old Trafford (D/N)

July 9: Semi-Final 1, Old Trafford

July 11: Semi-Final 2, Edgbaston

July 14: Final, Lord's

Sync Australia's World Cup schedule to your calendar HERE

For a full list of all World Cup fixtures, click HERE