‘Drawing a series in Australia is a big achievement for Bangladesh’: Habibul Bashar

Bangladesh’s two-match Test series against Australia ended 1-1, with the visitors suffering an innings defeat in the second and final Test in Mackay after securing a historic win in Darwin.

Despite missing the chance to win the series, Bangladesh chief selector Habibul Bashar Sumon considers the overall result a major achievement for the team.

“We had high expectations and created an opportunity to win the series. But Australia are the No. 1 Test team, and beating them 2-0 would have been a lot to ask. Still, we could have played better cricket,” Bashar said.

He also believes the toss played a major role in the second Test. Bangladesh were forced to bat first on a difficult pitch, while Australia’s batters also struggled in the conditions.

“The toss seemed more important than usual. If we had bowled first, it could have been a different story,” he said.

Bashar said Bangladesh are not accustomed to such fast and challenging conditions, just as Australia’s batters also found it difficult to score freely.

“Overall, we could have done a little better. But coming to Australia and drawing the series is a big achievement for Bangladesh cricket,” he said.

Bangladesh are currently ranked sixth in Test cricket, which Bashar described as a significant achievement. However, he cautioned against considering the team a finished product.

“I would not say we have become a very good Test team yet. We still have a long way to go. But we have made a statement,” he said.

Bashar also pointed to Bangladesh’s recent Test results, saying the team has made significant progress in recent years. With five important Tests ahead in the World Test Championship, he believes the team is in a strong position.

Before the Australia tour, Bangladesh had aimed to return home with their dignity intact.

“We said before coming here that we wanted to return home with our heads held high. I think we are going back with that,” Bashar said.

SKS