Tigers chase series history

Bangladesh have reached Mackay with a rare opportunity in their hands. After stunning Australia in Darwin, the Tigers are now one Test away from completing a series victory that would rank among the most significant achievements in the country's cricket history.

The second Test begins on August 22, but for Bangladesh the match effectively started the moment they left Darwin.

The opening Test gave them more than a 1-0 advantage. It changed the mood around the entire tour. Bangladesh had arrived in Australia with questions over their batting after a 54-run collapse in the warm-up. They answered those doubts with 426 in the Test and then backed it up with a disciplined bowling performance.

Tanzid Hasan's century was the batting highlight. Hasan Mahmud emerged as the biggest threat with the ball, collecting nine wickets across the match, while Mehedi Hasan Miraz once again showed his ability to influence a Test in more than one discipline.

Now comes the harder part.

Bangladesh must reproduce that intensity at a new ground, against an Australian side that has had time to examine everything that went wrong in Darwin.

Australia's response has already begun. Jake Weatherald has been left out after a difficult first Test, while Matt Renshaw has been brought back into the squad. The change gives Australia another option at the top of the order, but it also highlights the pressure surrounding a batting unit that failed to give its bowlers enough runs to defend.

Marnus Labuschagne remains in the squad, although his position will continue to attract attention after another modest return in Darwin.

For Australia, there is no complicated equation. They have to win in Mackay to keep the series alive.

Bangladesh have the luxury of knowing that a draw would be enough to secure the series.

But that is unlikely to be how the Tigers approach the game.

A team that has just beaten Australia by nine wickets will not want to settle for merely protecting its advantage. The opportunity in front of Shanto's side is considerably bigger: become the first Bangladesh team to leave Australia with a Test series victory.

Mackay also brings a new challenge. Great Barrier Reef Arena is hosting its first Test, meaning both sides will have to quickly understand a new playing environment. That makes the second Test almost a separate story from Darwin.

Australia are searching for a response.

Bangladesh are searching for confirmation.

Darwin gave the Tigers belief. Mackay can give them history.