Bangladesh has established a 153-run lead against Australia in the first Test in Darwin, largely due to a maiden century from Tanzid Hasan. The 25-year-old left-hander scored 101 runs, helping Bangladesh reach 351 for 6 by stumps on day two. This performance positions Bangladesh to pursue what could be a significant victory in long-form cricket.
The visitors resumed play on Friday at 96 for 1, responding to Australia’s 198 all out. Tanzid Hasan and Mominul Haque (49) formed a 102-run partnership for the second wicket. Mominul Haque, who has been a consistent performer in the Test arena, reached double figures for his 17th consecutive innings, dating back to April of last year. He was dismissed just shy of a half-century, caught by Josh Hazlewood for 49.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed a fluent 84 runs off 126 balls, maintaining momentum against an Australian bowling attack that was accurate but lacked penetration. Shanto‘s square cut, placing a Mitchell Starc delivery to the boundary, exemplified the visitors’ batting strategy of waiting for the ball rather than reaching out. Tanzid Hasan‘s century was brought up with a lofted drive over the mid-off boundary off Beau Webster, following a 93-run stand for the third wicket with Shanto.
Australia’s Bowling Efforts and Fielding
Australia’s bowlers toiled throughout the day, with eight different players used. After tea, Steve Smith equaled Joe Root’s record for the most catches by a fielder in Test history, securing three catches at second slip to reach 218. Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins all claimed wickets after tea with the new ball. However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (32 not out) and Hasan Mahmud (13 not out) remained unbudged at the close of play, despite Cameron Green dropping Mehidy on the day’s final ball.
The Australian side experienced a mini-collapse of 3 for 11 when they took the second new ball, but Bangladesh recovered. Tanzid Hasan, who has cemented his place in white-ball cricket, appears set for an extended run in Tests as well after his performance against a world-class attack. He became the first Bangladesh batter to score a Test century in Australia and the second overall to hit a hundred against Australia in Tests.
Ponting’s Criticism of Australian Selection
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting criticised the Australian selectors for their approach to squad selection, suggesting they chose to “stick with what they know.” Ponting expressed his disappointment that younger players were not introduced into the squad for the two-Test series against Bangladesh, particularly given the extensive 12-month period ahead, which includes 21 Tests, an upcoming Ashes series, a tour of South Africa, and a five-Test series in India.
Ponting highlighted that Cameron Green, at 27, is the only player in the squad younger than 31. He felt that players like Victoria opener Campbell Kellaway and middle-order batter Ollie Peake could have been given an opportunity. Ponting questioned when these younger players would be debuted if not in this series, suggesting it would be more challenging to introduce them in tours against formidable opponents like Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen in South Africa.
Ponting also noted his surprise at Pat Cummins’ decision to bat first after winning the toss, a choice that led to Australia being bowled out for 198. Steve Smith was the top scorer for Australia with 71 runs, the only batter to exceed 25. Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud achieved his best Test figures, taking six for 55 on day one. Bangladesh savored their first Test cricket experience in Australia in 23 years by dismissing the top-ranked side for less than 200 on Thursday.
Source: theguardian.com
