Australia must rethink after Bangladesh shock, says Cummins

Australia captain Pat Cummins admitted there were “no excuses” for his side’s shock nine-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test in Darwin on Sunday, with changes potentially on the cards for the second match in Mackay. Bangladesh secured a historic maiden Test victory on Australian soil shortly before tea on the fourth day in Darwin after dominating much of the match. Australia were bowled out for 198 after Cummins elected to bat at the toss, before Bangladesh replied with 426. “I thought our preparation was pretty much spot-on. I thought it was excellent, so, yeah, no excuses,” Cummins said at the post-match presentation. “They outplayed us in all facets. I thought they were really patient and quite disciplined. Once we were behind, it was really hard to get back.” Australia struggled to make inroads with the ball after Bangladesh’s first-innings total, while several batters failed to capitalise. Jake Weatherald made 23 and a duck on his Test debut, while Marnus Labuschagne was unable to convert a second-innings start, putting both under scrutiny ahead of the second Test. Cummins said it was too early to determine whether changes would be made, but acknowledged the defeat would prompt discussions within the team. “I think every time there’s a game like this, you always kind of look at your match-ups and your make-up with the team for the next one,” he said. “But we only just finished, so we will have a think about it. We are pretty good at bouncing back, so no doubt the batters and every group will get together and have a good think about this one and where we can improve.” There were few positives for Australia, although Josh Hazlewood and Cameron Green provided bright spots. Hazlewood claimed 6-89 in Bangladesh’s first innings and became only the latest Australian to pass 300 Test wickets. “Josh, he hasn’t had a great run for injuries the last couple of years, but he’s one of the hardest workers and just showed his class on a wicket that didn’t have too much in it seam-wise, still picking up six really important wickets,” Cummins said. Green, meanwhile, struck his first Test century on home soil after entering the series under pressure. “His tempo this innings showed how good he is,” Cummins said. “Just needed a couple of us to hang around with him, but he was fantastic.” Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting had already called for changes before the fourth day began, arguing the defeat was an opportunity to accelerate the rebuilding of the side. “I think it’s inevitable they have to make change,” Ponting said on Channel 7. Ponting said Australia could consider bringing in another opener and making a change at number three, arguing there was enough evidence from the team’s recent performances to begin regenerating the squad. The second Test will be played in Mackay next weekend, with Australia needing a vastly improved performance to level the two-match series.