Disillusionment at hand in Mackay

A breaking of the illusion, a disillusionment is at hand. The only question is whose: Australia’s or Bangladesh’s. Mackay, where the second Test begins on August 22, will reveal whether Bangladesh’s stunning Darwin victory was the start of something real or an extraordinary one-off.

The Tigers had largely been judged on their tour-match performances since arriving in Australia for their first Test series Down Under in 23 years. Fans, experts and even former Australia stars had little else to go on, except Bangladesh’s 54 all out in the second innings against CA XI. Darwin, however, shattered whatever assumptions had been formed about what Bangladesh could offer.

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But can lightning strike twice? Can Bangladesh do it again in the second Test?

“Arguably the greatest upset in the history of Test match cricket,” Australia great Damien Fleming said on the Fast Bowling Cartel podcast while talking about the first Test.

Jason Gillespie, with a fair bit of experience of facing Bangladesh in another era, corrected his bowling partner.

“It is the biggest upset in the history of the game,” he said.

The expectation now is not necessarily another upset, but another performance capable of making Australia uncomfortable.

Bangladesh have had a fair bit of experience playing in away conditions such as New Zealand and South Africa in recent years. Australia, however, have lost only three home series in the last decade, with South Africa in 2016 and India twice being the only teams to achieve the feat.

In the same period, Bangladesh have won just one away series, sweeping Pakistan 2-0 in 2024.

The last time Bangladesh came close to following up a landmark away victory with a series win in a SENA country was in 2021/22, when they famously beat New Zealand in Mount Maunganui. An innings-and-117-run defeat in Christchurch followed inside three days. For many, it was simply Bangladesh reverting to type after producing something spectacular.

They are now being reminded that Australia will come hard in the second Test. A fast and bouncy wicket may be on offer as well.

“I don’t think Australia played softly in the first Test,” BCB chief selector Habibul Bashar told The Daily Star when asked about the expected response.

“It’s not rocket science. They are the number one side in Test cricket and will definitely look to make a comeback. Nobody has to tell us that. They are always a good side and after losing, they will press us. They will do that again. But we are ready for it,” he added.

Australia great Glenn McGrath certainly entertained the possibility.

“Let’s see how they bounce back and if they maintain it in Mackay, I think it’s looking promising for them,” McGrath said on the Fast Bowling Cartel podcast.

If the Tigers follow up with a similar performance, Australia may be completely disillusioned. For Bangladesh, there has never been a stronger impetus than Darwin to break their own trend of falling away after a strong showing. Either way, disillusionment awaits in Mackay.