Ponting had lost his top spot to Dhoni after the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman scored a quick fire 59 in the second match against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.

On the other hand, Bangladesh would look for a repeat of one of the most famous days in cricket history.

They had caused a massive upset when they beat the world champions at Cardiff last June and the players will be after something similar over the next week. The last time Habibul Bashar's side appeared in ODIs, it beat Kenya 4-0 in March, successes that secured their place in October's Champions Trophy in India.

Australia's latest ODI action saw them failing to defend 434 against South Africa at the Wanderers.

The ICC ODI Championship table suggests that even one win for the home side over the three matches will be a major achievement.

Ricky Ponting's touring line-up is 13 points clear of their nearest challengers, South Africa, in that table with third-placed India a further three points back, while Bangladesh lie in 10th place, 18 points adrift of Zimbabwe, the side immediately above it.