Tanzid Hasan’s maiden Test century puts Bangladesh in strong position against Australia
Bangladesh has established a 153-run lead over Australia in the first Test in Darwin, largely thanks to a maiden Test century from Tanzid Hasan. The 25-year-old left-hander scored 101 in his second Test match, helping his side reach 351 for 6 by the close of day two.
The visitors started day two at 96 for 1, in response to Australia’s total of 198 all out. Tanzid and Mominul Haque formed a 102-run partnership for the second wicket. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto also contributed significantly with 84 off 126 balls, maintaining momentum against the Australian bowling attack.
Bangladesh’s Batting Performance
Tanzid Hasan, already a regular in white-ball cricket, showcased his ability against a world-class attack. He brought up his century with a push past Nathan Lyon, after an earlier attempt to clear cover nearly resulted in a catch. His innings featured strong driving through cover and point, and his shot selection was noted as outstanding, particularly after a shaky start on the opening day.
Early in his innings, Tanzid skied a lofted drive off Josh Hazlewood’s first over, but Lyon was unable to complete the catch. He also benefited from a dropped chance by Steve Smith at slip off Lyon when he was on 62. The conditions offered bounce, carry, and seam, but Bangladesh’s batters demonstrated more judicious shot selection compared to Australia.
Mominul Haque, at number three, continued his consistent form in Test cricket, reaching double figures for his 17th consecutive innings. He was close to his eighth half-century during this period but was dismissed by Hazlewood, falling one run short on 49.
Australian Bowling Efforts
Australia was compelled to use eight bowlers during Bangladesh’s innings. Despite the efforts of their bowlers, Bangladesh recovered from a brief collapse of 3 for 11 when Australia took the second new ball. Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and captain Pat Cummins all took wickets after tea with the new ball.
Steve Smith equalled Joe Root’s record for the most catches by a fielder in Test history, taking his first three catches after tea at second slip to reach 218 catches. However, all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, unbeaten on 32, and fast bowler Hasan Mahmud, not out on 13, remained at the crease at stumps. Cameron Green dropped Mehidy off the final ball of the day.
Day One Overview
On day one, Bangladesh had already dominated Australia despite a reprieve for Steve Smith. Smith was on seven when an appeal for caught behind off Ebadot Hossain was reviewed. Although Smith indicated he felt something, the Snicko technology showed a flat line as the ball passed the bat, and the not out decision stood. Smith went on to score 71.
However, the rest of the Australian team struggled, with Hasan Mahmud taking a career-best 6-55 to help dismiss the hosts for 198. Bangladesh closed day one at 96-1, trailing by 102 runs. Opener Shadman Islam was dismissed by Mitchell Starc, but Tanzid Hasan Tamim, unbeaten on 32, and Mominul Haque, 35 not out, guided the Tigers to the close without further loss.
Australia has not lost a home Test to Bangladesh previously, with their only loss to the Tigers occurring in Mirpur in 2017. This match is the first of a two-Test series.
The century partnership for the second wicket was highlighted by Tanzid’s shot when he lofted a drive straight over the mid-off boundary off Beau Webster.
Bangladesh’s performance on day two built upon a strong showing on day one, which was regarded as a significant day of Test cricket for the team against a full-strength Australian side.
Source: theguardian.com
Charlotte Reid 