Bristol, UK (pte/Jun 20, 2005/13:48) - A disappointing five-wicket loss to Bangladesh yesterday, Sunday, increased embarrassment and discomfort in the world champion Australian cricket squad in the second week of their three-and-a-half-month tour of England, which will include the Ashes.

Australia's defeat by Bangladesh in the triangular tournament currently taking place in Enlgand, has been described by some as the 'biggest upset in cricket history'.

The Bangladeshi cricket team is considered to be the worst on the international circuit - ranked by the International Cricket Council - ICC http://icc-cricket.com , and has been for a while.

Up until last week, Australia, who has now suffered four losses - the Twenty20 reverse against England, the four-wicket defeat against Somerset, the weekend's loss to Bristol, and now to Bangladesh - had been almost invincible on the international circuit. The team now seems to be struggling with re-acclimatisation and possible relocation angst.

Captain of the team, Ricky Ponting, said: "Obviously if that trend persisted for a few games in a row it would be time for me or coach John Buchanan to sit everyone down and have a bit of a chat. In the time I've been in the job, there hasn't been much of a need to do that, although I let the boys know what I thought about the Taunton effort in the rooms after the game."

However, said the Ponting, "the team spirit remains strong".

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