'More SENA Tests will help Bangladesh': Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto
What's the story
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has called for more Test matches in SENA nations, saying it would help his team gain the consistency needed to compete with top teams. The call comes after a two-Test series, where Bangladesh registered their maiden Test win on Australian soil. Despite the historic win, the hosts suffered a heavy defeat in the second Test.
Consistency call
Shanto calls for more opportunities
After Bangladesh's defeat in the 2nd Test against Australia, Shanto stressed the need for his team to be more consistent in their performances.
He said, "I think it was a very proud moment as a team, and we showed our character and discipline in the first Test."
The captain also highlighted that if they get more opportunities to play under similar conditions year after year, it would help them improve their game.
Series recap
Bangladesh's maiden Test win in Australia
Bangladesh stunned Australia with a historic nine-wicket victory in the first Test of the series.
However, they faced a heavy defeat in the second match, losing by an innings and 51 runs.
Captain Shanto remained positive despite the loss, saying that their performance in Darwin showed their potential to compete with top teams like Australia.
Match difficulties
Second Test defeat for Bangladesh
The second Test match was a different story for Bangladesh as they struggled against Australia's left-arm quick Mitchell Starc.
He exploited the seam and swing on offer in Mackay, helping Australia bowl out Bangladesh for just 64 runs in their first innings.
The visitors fared no better in their second innings, managing only 95 runs as Australia completed a dominant victory by an innings and 51 runs.
Acknowledgment
Captain notes challenges in Mackay
Shanto acknowledged Australia's strong response while also identifying areas for his team to improve.
He said, "They showed their character, and we didn't play our best match."
The captain also noted that the conditions in Mackay were different from Darwin, with a little extra bounce and swing in the air, which made it challenging for his team.
Prospects
First Test tour of Australia in 23 years
The two-match series was Bangladesh's first Test tour of Australia in 23 years, highlighting the limited opportunities they have had to gain experience in Australian conditions.
For Shanto, more regular exposure to pace, bounce, and movement could be key to Bangladesh's development as a Test team.
He hopes his team won't have to wait as long for another opportunity to play Tests in Australia.