Tanzid Hasan century puts Bangladesh in charge on Day 2 in Darwin
Opener Tanzid Hasan scored a century in Darwin on Friday to put Bangladesh in command on Day 2 of the opening Test against Australia, becoming the first Bangladesh cricketer to make a Test hundred in Australia; Bangladesh finished the day 351/6 at stumps for a 153-run first-innings lead.
Bangladesh had resumed the day at 96/1, still 102 runs behind Australia's first-innings total of 198. The 24-year-old's 102 off 189 balls was the centerpiece of the visitors' batting and he reached his maiden Test century with a single off Nathan Lyon from 188 deliveries. His innings featured lengthy periods of defence and measured shot selection, but he was dismissed almost immediately after reaching three figures.
Tanzid added only one more run after reaching 100 before attempting to loft Lyon down the ground and being caught by Mitchell Starc at long-off. Earlier in the innings he combined with Mominul Haque for a 102-run partnership for the second wicket; Mominul fell for 49. Najmul Hossain Shanto joined Tanzid and the pair compiled a 93-run stand for the third wicket.
Shanto finished unbeaten to the fall of the sixth wicket with 84 from 126 balls before Australia took the second new ball and, in a four-over spell, dismissed three Bangladesh batters, Shanto among them. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Mahmud then put on an unbeaten 43 for the seventh wicket to ensure Bangladesh ended the day firmly on top. Mehidy was not out on 32 and Hasan Mahmud on 13 at stumps.
Bangladesh were four wickets away from completing the innings and already 153 runs clear of Australia's 198, a significant turnaround after Australia were bowled out for that total on the opening day. Bangladesh's bowlers had kept Australia under pressure on Day 1 and their batters produced a disciplined reply on Friday. The visitors' approach involved lengthy defence and selective scoring as they rebuilt the innings.
Playing their first Test in Australia since 2003, Bangladesh showed little sign of being overawed by the occasion or Australia’s bowling attack. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, along with veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon, struggled to make regular breakthroughs against a batting line-up prepared to spend time at the crease. The warm conditions in Darwin made for a demanding contest, with Bangladesh willing to defend patiently while waiting for scoring opportunities.
The two-Test Top End series begins a demanding 12 months for Australia. They are scheduled to play 20 Tests, including series against South Africa, India and England.
