After a historic win in Darwin, Bangladesh will chase more history when they face Australia in the second and final Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay on Saturday.
The Tigers stunned the cricketing world with a nine-wicket victory inside four days, taking an unassailable 1-0 lead. A draw or another win would bring another significant milestone, with the Great Barrier Reef Arena set to become Australia’s 12th Test venue.
Australia have been almost unconquerable at home. Since their 2-0 defeat to England in 1887, they have not suffered a clean sweep in a multi-Test home series. Their 1-0 defeat to South Africa in a three-Test series was also the last time they failed to win a match in such a series at home.
For Bangladesh, a series victory would be their first against Australia and their first on Australian soil. It would also be only the third time, after the West Indies in 2009 and Pakistan in 2024, that they have won both Tests of an away series.
The challenge, however, is likely to be greater in Mackay.
Australia will be wounded after the Darwin defeat and under pressure to restore their pride. They will also be determined to prove the opening Test was an aberration rather than a sign of a changing balance between the sides.
“The only thing I had to say to them is that Australia is going to come harder. So we have to either keep that level of performance or get a little bit better,” Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons told reporters in Mackay on Thursday.
The only thing I had to say to them is that Australia is going to come harder. So we have to either keep that level of performance or get a little bit better
Phil Simmons, Bangladesh head coach
“But I think looking at them today, guys have settled back down. We’ve had three days actually now, so guys have settled back down a lot and we hope that we start on the right footing on Saturday morning.”
Bangladesh could make at least one change despite their winning performance, with pacer Shoriful Islam likely to replace Ebadot Hossain.
There are also concerns over opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim and experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim. Tanzid, who scored his maiden Test century in Darwin, did not bat at Thursday’s training session because of a neck issue. Mushfiqur was struck on the finger while batting in the nets but resumed training.
The Tigers must also adjust to conditions expected to be different from Darwin. The Mackay pitch is likely to offer more pace and bounce, potentially giving Australia’s fast bowlers a much stronger platform. The open nature of the venue could also bring strong winds into play, adding another challenge for Bangladesh’s batters.
Australia, meanwhile, have brought Matthew Renshaw into the squad in place of Jake Weatherald. Renshaw has two first-class centuries at the venue and is in contention for the XI. Paceman Scott Boland could also come into the side.
For the hosts, the objective is to win the match, level the series and restore some pride. For Bangladesh, however, the opportunity is much bigger. They have already made history in Darwin. Now they can make more in Mackay.
