‘Kept calm and played to the merit of the ball’: How Tanzid made history in Darwin

Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan kept his composure and played the ball on its merit to produce a history-making century in only his second Test, putting his side in a commanding position against Australia in Darwin on Friday.

Tanzid became the first Bangladeshi batter to score a Test hundred in Australia, making a patient 101 from 188 balls as Bangladesh reached 351-6 at stumps on the second day of the opening Test, a lead of 153 runs with four wickets in hand.

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The 25-year-old, who has made his name in white-ball cricket, negotiated a formidable Australian pace attack featuring Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood before completing his maiden Test century.

Tanzid said he was determined not to overcomplicate things despite the significance of the occasion.

“I was trying to play like what the team required,” Tanzid said. “The wicket looked good and they came to me differently. I was trying to play normal cricket and keep myself calm. I just watched the ball and played to the merit of the ball. I wasn’t trying too much.”

His century came midway through the second session when he pushed Nathan Lyon through mid-off for the single that took him to three figures.

“Excited to get the opportunity to play here. This is very special for me because this is the first time I’m here. Playing only the second Test match and making a hundred, so it’s very special for me,” he said.

Tanzid struck eight fours and a huge six off Lyon during his 188-ball innings before falling soon after reaching his century, attempting to hit the spinner out of the ground only to find Starc at deep mid-off.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was delighted with the way Tanzid adapted his natural game to the demands of the situation.

“Happy with the way we played, especially the way Tamim [Tanzid] batted. Playing only his second Test match, the way he showed his character, really happy to see him,” Shanto said.

“Normally he doesn’t play like that. He’s more of an attacking batsman. But he played to the merit of the ball and controlled himself.”

Tanzid’s century was the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s strong response after Australia were dismissed for 198 in their first innings. His ability to resist the temptation to attack, particularly against Lyon, helped Bangladesh build a substantial advantage on a pitch that improved as the day progressed.