Shanto backs Bangladesh to handle Australia’s pace and bounce
DARWIN: Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto believes his team is ready for the pace and bounce of Australian conditions as the visitors prepare for their first Test on Australian soil in more than two decades.
Bangladesh will face Australia in Darwin in their first Test in the country since 2003. The unfamiliar conditions are expected to provide a major challenge, particularly against an Australian attack capable of generating significant pace and bounce.
Bangladesh’s preparations suffered an early setback when they were bowled out for just 54 against a Cricket Australia XI in a practice match. Shanto, however, insisted the result had not damaged the team’s confidence after spending around 10 to 12 days preparing in Darwin.
“Tackling the bounce is the key,” Shanto said at his pre-match press conference, adding that Bangladesh had spent recent months preparing on bouncy pitches at home.
The captain acknowledged that the opening phase against the new ball could be Bangladesh’s toughest test but urged his batters to remain disciplined and trust their natural game.
Bangladesh arrive with reasons for optimism. They defeated Australia 2-1 in an ODI series in June, securing their first bilateral series victory over the 2023 ODI World Cup champions. The matches were played on relatively quick pitches, giving the visitors useful experience before their Test assignment.
Their improvement has also been reflected in the World Test Championship standings. Bangladesh currently sit fourth after completing a 2-0 Test series victory over Pakistan in May, compared with seventh place in the previous WTC cycle.
Shanto said the team had made steady progress, particularly with the ball, but believed greater consistency from the batting unit could take Bangladesh to another level.
The visitors are also considering a combination of three fast bowlers and two frontline spinners, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam. Mehidy heads into the match with confidence after scoring a century in the tour game.
Shanto expects the Darwin pitch to offer opportunities for both batters and bowlers.
“There’s grass on the wicket, but it’s a good wicket where both batters and bowlers will find help,” he said.
For Bangladesh, the Test represents more than a difficult overseas assignment. It is an opportunity to measure their recent progress against one of cricket’s strongest teams in conditions that demand patience, discipline and adaptability.
