Bangladesh strengthened their position in the Darwin Test on the second day, reaching 351 for 6 in their first innings to take a commanding 153-run lead over Australia. Australia were bowled out for 198 in their first innings. For Bangladesh, Hasan Mahmud delivered a devastating spell, taking six wickets, while Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain claimed two wickets each.
In reply, Bangladesh’s opener Tanzid Hasan scored a brilliant century, making 101 runs, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed 84. Tanzid Hasan made history by becoming the first Bangladeshi batter to score a Test century in Australia as the visitors continued to dominate the opening Test in Darwin. At tea on the second day, Bangladesh had reached 286 for 3, taking an 88-run lead over the hosts with seven wickets still in hand.
Opener Tanzid produced a superb 101, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto remained unbeaten on an entertaining 79. Mushfiqur Rahim was also unbeaten on 26 as Bangladesh’s batters frustrated the Australian bowling attack and strengthened their position in the match. At the close of play, Mehidy Hasan Miraz was unbeaten on 32, with Hasan Mahmud on 13. For Australia, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood took two wickets each, while captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon claimed one wicket apiece.
Australia’s poor batting performance was hardly a surprise, but their inability to make an impact with the ball was unexpected. Bangladesh had recently struggled badly with the bat, being dismissed for fewer than 190 in both innings against Zimbabwe and suffering an innings defeat inside three days. Their difficulties continued in last weekend’s tour match, where they were bowled out for just 54 and lost by an innings, with Campbell Thompson, who had played only one first-class match before that game, taking an impressive 8 for 25.
Against that backdrop, Bangladesh’s batting display on the second day of the first Test was even more impressive. Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto did not repeat the approach that had failed them in Mirpur. Instead, along with Mominul Haque, they showed patience, discipline and adaptability, qualities Australia themselves have been missing in their batting.
Bangladesh certainly benefited from more favourable batting conditions, but Australia had little reason to complain after choosing to bat first at the toss. The difference in approach was evident throughout the day. Bangladesh’s batters were much more willing to leave deliveries outside off stump and defend patiently. After 53 overs in both innings, Bangladesh had left 21 more balls than Australia and played 39 more defensive shots.