Bangladesh defeated Australia by 9 wickets in the 1st Test at Darwin, played from August 13 to 16, in what was the Tigers’ first Test win on Australian soil in their third attempt and their first Test in Australia in 23 years. Australia posted 198 in their first innings and 284 in their second, while Bangladesh replied with 426 in the first innings before chasing down a target of 57 for the loss of just one wicket.
Hasan Mahmud was the standout bowler of the match, taking 6/55 in Australia’s first innings and 3/56 in the second, earning the Player of the Match award. Tanzid Hasan scored 101 in Bangladesh’s first innings, while Cameron Green’s 104 in Australia’s second innings was the lone batting highlight for the hosts. Mehidy Hasan Miraz took 5/66 in Australia‘s second innings, and Josh Hazlewood was Australia’s best bowler with 6/89 in Bangladesh’s first innings. Speaking of the results, former fast bowler Jason Gillespie stated that the side is ageing and will soon reach a point where changes need to be made.
“Pat Cummins’ captaincy was fine, but Australia batted poorly in the first innings. Bangladesh outplayed them throughout the game. They played old-fashioned, patient Test cricket. Australia will bounce back strongly in Mackay. However, this is an ageing team, and selectors will bring in new players over the next 6-12 months. For now, they have got in Matt Renshaw in place of Jake Weatherald for the Mackay Test. Other than that, the only discussion will be whether Scott Boland plays; I’m not sure if that’s in place of one of the seamers or the spinner. But Australia will bounce back strongly. The surface will be very good at Mackay,” Gillespie said, speaking to the Indian Express
What changes has Australia made for the Mackay Test?
Australia have made at least one confirmed change to their line-up for the 2nd Test, scheduled for August 22 to 26 at Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay. Matt Renshaw has been brought into the squad in place of Jake Weatherald following the heavy defeat in Darwin. Another selection question has been the inclusion of Scott Boland, alongside or in place of one member from the pace trio of captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. Gillespie backed the three veterans, and said his team would have a better chance in the next Test.
“They’ve been great. I thought they bowled quite well in the first Test. But Bangladesh just batted very, very well. I think that if they bowl the same way again, they’ll have a chance to perform better against Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s seamers were good as well. They deserved to win. Tanzid Hasan got a hundred and other batters contributed to get a lead in the first innings. Some good signs for Bangladesh. Their challenge now is to back that up. And the Australians will want to bounce back from what was a pretty disappointing performance,” Gillespie said.
Which young fast bowlers could come into Australia’s plans?
Gillespie pointed to a broader selection conversation beyond the immediate Mackay Test, saying Australian selectors would look to introduce new players over the next 6 to 12 months as the current squad ages. He identified four fast bowlers from the domestic circuit as options for selectors to consider going forward.
“Callum Viddler from Queensland looks a good prospect. He bowls quick with good airspeed. Then you’ve got Jhye Richardson from Western Australia. There are a couple of South Australians who’ve performed well over the last little period: Nathan McAndrew and Jordan Buckingham. There are a few different options for the Australian selectors to look at, going forward, “Gillespie added.
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