Bangladesh concluded day two of the first Test in Darwin with a 153-run lead over Australia, reaching 351 for 6. The visitors’ strong position was largely due to a maiden Test century from Tanzid Hasan, who scored 101 runs. This performance marks Tanzid Hasan as the first Bangladesh batter to achieve a Test century in Australia.
Tanzid Hasan, playing in only his second Test match at 25 years old, showcased strong application. His century was a significant factor in establishing Bangladesh’s dominance. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto also contributed significantly with a fluent 84 runs off 126 balls, maintaining momentum against the Australian bowling attack.
Bangladesh Batters Build Strong Lead
Resuming the day at 96 for 1, Tanzid Hasan and Mominul Haque built a 102-run partnership for the second wicket. Mominul Haque, a consistent performer in Test cricket, narrowly missed a half-century, falling for 49 after nicking Josh Hazlewood. Tanzid Hasan’s driving through cover and point was noted, as was his shot selection after a shaky start on the opening day.
A dropped chance by Steve Smith at slip off Nathan Lyon when Tanzid Hasan was on 62 allowed him to continue his innings. The century partnership for the second wicket was highlighted by Tanzid Hasan’s lofted drive over the mid-off boundary off Beau Webster. The captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, demonstrated a methodical approach, waiting for the ball and placing it effectively, in contrast to some Australian batters who reached out for deliveries.
Bangladesh faced a brief collapse after tea, losing three wickets for 11 runs with the introduction of the second new ball. Steve Smith equalled Joe Root’s record for the most catches by a fielder in Test history, taking three catches at second slip after tea. Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins all claimed wickets during this period. However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (32 not out) and Hasan Mahmud (13 not out) remained unbudged at stumps, despite Cameron Green dropping Mehidy on the day’s final ball.
Criticism for Australia’s Selection Strategy
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting criticised the Australian selectors for their approach to squad selection, suggesting they chose to “stick with what they know.” This comes as Australia faces a demanding 12-month schedule that includes 21 Tests, concluding with next summer’s Ashes series. The current squad for the two-Test series against Bangladesh features only one player younger than 31, Cameron Green, who is 27.
Ponting expressed concern that opportunities to introduce younger players, such as Victoria opener Campbell Kellaway and middle-order batter Ollie Peake, were missed. He questioned when these younger players would gain experience if not in series like this, suggesting that debuting them against formidable opponents like Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen in South Africa would be significantly more challenging.
Ponting also commented on Pat Cummins’s decision to bat first after winning the toss, a choice that reportedly surprised the Australian camp. Australia was bowled out for 198 on day one, with Steve Smith top-scoring with 71. Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud achieved his best Test figures, taking six wickets for 55 runs. Bangladesh savoured their first Test cricket experience in Australia in 23 years by dismissing the top-ranked side for less than 200 on Thursday.
The Australian bowling attack was forced to utilise eight bowlers during Bangladesh’s innings. Tanzid Hasan’s 93-run stand for the third wicket with Shanto was crucial in keeping Australia at bay during the morning session on day two.
Tanzid Hasan became the second Bangladesh batter overall to hit a century against Australia in Tests.
Source: theguardian.com
