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Bangladesh have made history in Darwin by taking a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series against Australia. As they now target a series victory, former Bangladesh pace bowling coach Allan Donald has warned that the hosts are likely to return with greater aggression in the second Test.
The former South African fast bowler believes Australia will give everything to avoid losing a home series and said Bangladesh could find themselves in trouble if they become defensive after their success in Darwin.
In an audio message to AFP, Donald said Bangladesh might be tempted to settle for a draw after taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, but that would be the wrong approach. Instead, he urged the team to trust the same strategy that brought success in Darwin when they face Australia in Mackay.
“Australia will come with all their weapons and try to blow Bangladesh away,” Donald said. “In a two-match series, it is easy to think, ‘It’s nothing, there’s no chance of losing the series,’ and then become defensive and think, ‘If we can draw the match, the job is done.’ Bangladesh have to trust the same plan that worked for them in Darwin.”
Donald was also impressed by Bangladesh’s ability to bounce back after a difficult start to their tour. The visitors were bowled out for just 54 in a warm-up match before producing a remarkable turnaround in Darwin.
“After being bowled out for 54 in the previous game, you would probably feel a little devastated. But their response afterwards was outstanding,” he said.
Donald also praised Bangladesh’s pace attack, particularly Hasan Mahmud, whose recent performances have impressed the former South African pacer.
He highlighted Hasan’s control, ability to swing the ball both ways and accuracy in hitting the right areas.
“They bowled with great authority. Hasan is in incredible form at the moment and I’m very happy for him,” Donald said. “I saw him in the nets for the first time a few years ago and I thought straight away that this boy had something. He has great control of the ball, can hit the perfect areas and can swing it both ways.”
Donald said Bangladesh’s performance in Darwin also demonstrated the depth of their pace-bowling resources. He pointed to Ebadot Hossain’s contribution in the absence of Nahid Rana due to injury.
“Bowling depth becomes effective when, if Nahid Rana is not available, someone like Ebadot Hossain can come in and do his job. That says a lot about the depth of Bangladesh’s bowling attack,” he said.
“It is great to see Bangladesh building that depth in their bowling department.”
