Bangladesh head into the second Test against Australia in Mackay full of confidence after producing one of the biggest upsets in recent Test cricket.
Their nine-wicket victory in Darwin gave Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and earned widespread praise for the way they dominated Australia across four days. Now, they have a chance to complete a historic series win, while Australia are desperate to avoid suffering their first 2-0 home defeat in a two-Test series.
Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons described the Darwin victory as his best Test win, but he knows Australia are likely to respond strongly in Mackay.
The victory also boosted Bangladesh’s hopes in the World Test Championship. Another win would move them up to No. 3 in the standings, but they will need to reproduce the disciplined bowling and patient batting that proved decisive in Darwin.
Hasan Mahmud was the standout performer in the first Test, claiming nine wickets and earning Player of the Match honours. Tanzid Hasan also made his maiden Test century, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed with both bat and ball. Najmul Hossain Shanto’s leadership further strengthened Bangladesh’s impressive performance.
Australia, meanwhile, have made a change at the top of the order. Matt Renshaw is set to replace Jake Weatherald after Weatherald struggled in both innings of the opening Test.
Josh Hazlewood was Australia’s most consistent bowler in Darwin, taking six wickets, while Cameron Green’s second-innings century provided some encouragement. However, Australia will need significantly more from their batting and bowling attack if they are to level the series.
Players to Watch
Travis Head will be under pressure to respond after being dismissed by Hasan Mahmud in both innings of the first Test. The Australian opener has been one of the side’s most prolific Test batters in recent years, making a strong comeback in Mackay a key storyline.
Hasan Mahmud will again be Bangladesh’s major threat with the ball. His nine-wicket haul in Darwin showed his ability to build pressure and execute specific plans against Australia’s batting lineup.
Team News
Australia have confirmed Matt Renshaw’s return to the opening position alongside Travis Head. Their likely XI includes Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood.
Bangladesh have some fitness concerns, with Tanzid Hasan dealing with a stiff neck and Mushfiqur Rahim having been struck on the finger during training. However, neither is currently considered a major doubt. Shoriful Islam has also been declared fit and could come into contention.
Pitch and Conditions
The Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay will host its first Test match. The venue has limited first-class experience, with only five matches played there previously.
The pitch appears favourable for batting, based on the conditions seen during the lead-up to the match. Mackay’s strong south-easterly breeze could provide assistance to the bowlers, while temperatures are expected to be more comfortable than those experienced in Darwin.
With Bangladesh holding a 1-0 lead, Australia face a must-win Test. Bangladesh, meanwhile, need only another disciplined performance to complete a historic series victory on Australian soil.
