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Bangladesh has produced a massive shock in Darwin, as they created history by defeating Australia by nine wickets in the first Test. It was Bangladesh’s first-ever Test victory against Australia on Australian soil, and it came against a strong Australian side.
This is a huge blow to the Australian side. The hosts were unable to control the match even after getting Bangladesh into difficult situations. But the Tigers kept fighting, took their chances, and snatched the game from the Kangaroos.
By the fourth day, Australia had only 57 runs to defend, and Bangladesh completed the chase with ease to shame the hosts. Earlier, Pat Cummins broke the silence after becoming 1st Australian captain to lose a home Test vs Bangladesh and India.
Bangladesh humiliate Australia in Darwin as Tigers seal historic nine-wicket win
Australia were bowled out for just 198 in their first innings. Bangladesh then made full use of the opportunity and scored 426, taking a huge 228-run first-innings lead. After that, Bangladesh did not allow Australia to come back easily. Their bowlers kept creating pressure as they managed only 284 runs in the second innings.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Mahmud were completely unplayable for the Australian batters. Hasan Mahmud finished the match with nine wickets, while Mehidy produced another major performance with five wickets in Australia's second innings.
Bangladesh needed only 57 runs to script history in Darwin, and they finished the chase in only 14.2 overs. The Tigers lost just one wicket before Mominul Haque finished the match with a boundary. The embarrassing nine-wicket defeat has raised serious questions over Australia’s Test side.
Mark Waugh stunned by Bangladesh shock
Former Australian star Mark Waugh believes that the defeat against Bangladesh ranks among the biggest shocks they have suffered at home.
This defeat was even more surprising because of the fact that Bangladesh were without two of their important fast bowlers, Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam. But Australia had a strong squad available. This makes the result even more difficult for the Australian team to explain.
Waugh said on Fox Cricket’s coverage: “This could possibly be the biggest upset I can remember in Australia. The West Indies beat Australia at the Gabba three or four years ago—that was an upset. But this one, given their best two bowlers, Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam, are not playing, and the rankings and the Australian team are back at full strength, it’s a big one, this one.”
Ricky Ponting demands big changes after Australia’s ‘Very Embarrassing’ defeat
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has pointed fingers at the national selectors. The legendary batter called for some bold changes following the “very embarrassing defeat” at home.
Ponting said on Channel 7, “Look, I’m the last one who wants to make change. As a captain or as a player, I wanted to keep the group together. It has to get to a bad point before I start saying you ought to leave somebody out.
But there had been enough evidence for me coming here to suggest that they weren’t going to lose anything or much at all by starting that regeneration, by maybe bringing in another opener, or by maybe bringing in someone at No. 3. And I think if they lose here, then I think that has to happen.”
Matthew Hayden calls for Sam Konstas and Matt Renshaw return
On the other hand, the legendary Australian batter Matthew Hayden has called on the selectors to bring Sam Konstas and Matt Renshaw back into the team after the Darwin disaster. Hayden boldly said that opening is not ‘Head’s best position," and he feels the aggressive batter should bat at No. 5 instead of Alex Carey in the Test line-up.
He further explained, “It just feels a little shaky and uncertain. And why are we in this position? Australian cricket is so strong. It doesn’t need to be in that position, in my opinion. But who you pick—that's a great question. Are you picking match-fit players, or are you picking players on talent? Like a Sammy Konstas, for example?”
