THE Australian cricket team's departure for their two-Test tour of Bangladesh has been delayed due to concerns about safety and security. 
Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said yesterday recent advice from a range of Australian government sources had identified a potential security risk to Australian interests in Bangladesh. The team was due to leave Sydney tomorrow morning but will wait for further security advice before confirming travel arrangements for the tour.
"We have received advice from DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) and, based on that information, we are working with security experts and the Bangladesh Cricket Board on a revised- security plan for the tour," Sutherland said.
"We want the tour to go ahead and are planning for that, but the safety and security of our players and support staff is our No. 1 priority and won't be compromised.
"We will wait to receive updated- security information early in the week before confirming the team's travel arrangements-.
"In the meantime, we are working with the ACA (Australian Cricketers' Association) and keeping our players and support staff fully informed."The Australians, under the guidance of Steve Smith, were scheduled to play a Bangladesh Cricket Board XI side in Fatullah in the three-day match from   October 3-5. The first Test between Bangladesh and Australia is scheduled for Chittagong from   October 9-13 followed by the second Test in Mirpur from   October 17-21.