Neither losing nor even a draw is an option for Australia. A victory is a must for Pat Cummins’ team in the AUS vs BAN 2nd Test as the hosts look to avoid the ignominy of a home Test series defeat to a team that has managed only a handful of Test match wins outside Asia in their entire cricketing history.
In the SENA countries – that is, South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia – which are the toughest challenges for a touring Asian team – Bangladesh had won only one Test match out of 25 before going 1-0 up against Australia in the ongoing series. They have already doubled that tally and could triple it in Mackay.
In the coming days, Australia stand on the precipice of a historic shellacking, having already endured a historic defeat last week as Bangladesh registered their maiden Test match win on Australian soil with a 9-wicket win in Darwin.
Pacer Hasan Mahmud and opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim were at the forefront of what is being hailed as the most famous Test match victory for Bangladesh.
Starting Saturday in Mackay, Najmul Hossain Shanto’s team will look for a grander result as they eye an unthinkable maiden Test series win over Australia, that too on Australian soil.
Australia rarely lose Test matches at home, and even rarer is a home Test series defeat.
AUS vs BAN 2nd Test: When Was The Last Time Australia Lost A Home Test Series?
The last time Australia lost a home Test series was against India in the BGT 2020/21, when India won the four-match series by 2-1. Since then, Australia have registered six Test series victories at home, while one series against the West Indies in January 2024 was drawn 1-1.
It’s been five years since the Kangaroos were hunted in their own backyard across a Test series. The Bangladeshi Tigers would be dreaming of slaying the Kangaroos for a mammoth result.
Australia have also never lost both Test matches of a two-match home Test series.
The hosts have confirmed their playing XI for the 2nd Test. Only after the first Test match of their 20-Test journey spanning over the next 12 months have Australia dropped the inexperienced opener who was backed before the series.
Jake Weatherald has been replaced with Matt Renshaw, while Marnus Labuschagne has retained his place, the Australia No. 3 being backed for possibly one more Test match failure.
Australia playing XI for 2nd Test vs Bangladesh:
Pat Cummins (C), Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood
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