Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has called for more Test tours of Australia after their side was bundled out for less than 100 twice in the second Test against Australia Down Under, suffering an innings defeat.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Shanto admitted that pace and bounce were quite challenging in the McKay Test. However, he reckoned that with the World Cup 2027 scheduled in South Africa, this experience Down Under would help his side.
“The pace and bounce are quite challenging, and this experience will help. Obviously, the quality of the bowling attack is another area we can improve on. As you mentioned, with the World Cup in South Africa, I think this experience will help,” Shanto told reporters after the game.
“We are here after 23 years, and it is not easy to compete in these conditions against a quality team. If we can come here consistently, the players will gain experience and learn how to adjust to these conditions and play good cricket,” he added.
“It is hard for the players. Probably 90% of the players have not played here, so they don’t know how to adjust or cope with these conditions and this kind of bowling attack. My request is that we want to play here and in similar conditions consistently, not after 23 or 25 years,” he concluded.
Delving into the details of the second Test, Bangladesh posted 64 runs in 34 overs in the first innings after being tasked to bat first. Mitchell Starc picked up a six-wicket haul. In reply, Australia posted 210 runs in 52.3 overs. Cameron Green was the top scorer with 67 runs. Shoriful Islam scalped a seven-wicket haul. In the third innings, Bangladesh got bundled out for 95 runs in 38.3 overs as Australia secured an innings and 51-run win.
