Bangladesh came up with an emphatic bowling performance on the opening day, skittling Australia for just 198 runs in the first innings. But the bigger question always was whether their batters could hang around against Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon.
Well, the answer to that question has turned out to be a big yes. Bangladesh have so far batted 110 overs in their first innings, and still have four wickets intact. This is already a better effort than England’s batters in the 2025-26 Ashes, who lasted for more than 100 overs only once across 10 innings. The maximum they spent in the middle was when they batted 102.5 overs in the Adelaide Test, only to lose by 82 runs.
Bangladesh, on their first tour down under in 23 years, asserted their authority with proper Test match batting, scoring at 3.19 per over and finishing the second day at 351-6, with a lead of 153 runs. On the contrary, England batters got off the blocks quickly but didn't hang around for long to test the lack of depth in Australia's bowling. From the fab four, only Starc played all five matches, Cummins and Lyon played a combined three games, while Hazlewood didn't feature at all.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s batters showed that runs can be scored through proper application, even against the best of the bowling attacks. Tanzid Hasan, playing only in his second Test, batted for 308 minutes and faced 197 balls to score his maiden century in the format.
Tanzid Hasan Tamim has become just the second Bangladesh batter to score a Test century against Australia, and the first to do so in Australia 🇧🇩
His maiden Test hundred in Darwin has put Bangladesh in a commanding position, with the visitors leading by 153 runs at stumps on Day… pic.twitter.com/yJZvJokdIN
He was well supported by Mominul Haque and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, who ground out 148 and 179 minutes, respectively, to score 49 and 84 runs. Add to it their lower-order resistance, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Mahmud facing 73 and 76 deliveries so far. Mehidy and Hasan were dogged in their approach after Bangladesh lost three quick wickets for 11 runs, adding 43 unbeaten runs for seventh wicket off 147 deliveries.
They might not have beaten Australia yet, and will still have to play out of their skins to do so over the next three days. But they have already shown England what they lacked during the Ashes down under.
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
Leave a Comment