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Bangladesh will aim to complete a historic series sweep when they take on Australia in the second and final Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay from August 22 to 26. The Tigers head into the contest with a 1-0 lead after producing a stunning nine-wicket victory in Darwin, their first-ever Test win on Australian soil.
The visitors have very little reason to make wholesale changes after an outstanding all-round display in the opening Test. Their pace attack dismantled Australia’s batting lineup, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz delivered a superb all-round performance with a half-century and a five-wicket haul. Hasan Mahmud was particularly impressive, claiming nine wickets in the match.
Bangladesh could therefore stick with the same combination in Mackay, although Shoriful Islam’s availability gives the team management another selection option.
Here is the predicted playing XI of Bangladesh for the second Test against Australia.
Shadman Islam is expected to continue opening the innings for Bangladesh.
The left-handed opener’s primary responsibility will be to see off Australia’s formidable pace attack and provide a solid foundation. With Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood expected to lead the Australian attack again, Shadman’s ability to leave the ball outside off stump and bat for long periods will be crucial.
A substantial contribution from him could once again put Bangladesh in a strong position.
Tanzid Hasan Tamim should retain his place at the top of the order.
The young left-hander offers a more aggressive option alongside Shadman and can put pressure on Australia’s new-ball bowlers by taking advantage of scoring opportunities.
His battle against Starc and Hazlewood will be one of the most intriguing contests of the Test. Bangladesh will hope Tanzid can survive the early examination and build on the platform provided by Shadman.
Experienced campaigner Mominul Haque is likely to continue at No. 3.
Mominul’s ability to occupy the crease and rotate the strike makes him an important component of Bangladesh’s middle order. His experience will also be valuable in unfamiliar Australian conditions.
With Bangladesh already leading the series, Mominul could play the role of stabiliser if Australia strike early.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto should continue at No. 4.
Shanto is one of Bangladesh’s most accomplished Test batters and will have an important leadership role to play in Mackay. He will need to manage the balance between defending against Australia’s world-class pace attack and putting the pressure back on the hosts.
His tactical decisions will also come under the spotlight, particularly regarding the use of Bangladesh’s three-pronged pace attack and Mehidy.
Mushfiqur Rahim is expected to retain his place in the middle order.
The veteran wicketkeeper-batter brings enormous experience to Bangladesh’s Test lineup and has played countless pressure situations throughout his career.
Against Australia, his ability to absorb pressure and build partnerships will be invaluable. If the Tigers lose early wickets, Mushfiqur could be the player tasked with rebuilding the innings.
Litton Das should continue as Bangladesh’s wicketkeeper-batter.
Litton was initially absent from Bangladesh’s Test squad after suffering a calf injury during the ODI series against Australia in June, but he recovered in time to join the Test squad.
His contribution behind the stumps will be particularly important against Australia’s aggressive batters. With Bangladesh likely to rely heavily on their bowlers again, Litton’s wicketkeeping could prove just as valuable as his batting.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz is arguably Bangladesh’s most important all-rounder and should retain his place at No. 7.
He was one of the stars of the Darwin Test, scoring 65 in the first innings before claiming five wickets in Australia’s second innings. His performance made him the first Bangladesh spinner to take a five-wicket haul in a Test in Australia.
Mehidy’s ability to contribute in both departments gives captain Shanto enormous flexibility.
Hasan Mahmud will be one of the first names on the team sheet after his match-winning performance in Darwin.
The right-arm fast bowler claimed nine wickets in the opening Test and was instrumental in Bangladesh’s historic victory. His ability to generate movement and maintain disciplined lines made life extremely difficult for Australia’s batters.
Australia will undoubtedly have plans for Hasan, but the seamer’s confidence will be sky-high.
Taskin Ahmed should retain his place as one of Bangladesh’s senior fast bowlers.
His pace and ability to extract bounce make him an important part of the attack, particularly against Australia’s top order. Taskin also has considerable experience bowling in pressure situations.
He will need to complement Hasan Mahmud effectively and ensure Australia cannot settle against the new ball.
Ebadot Hossain is likely to complete Bangladesh’s pace trio.
His height and ability to hit the deck provide Bangladesh with a different threat compared to Hasan and Taskin. He can also be used for long spells to keep Australia’s batters under pressure.
If the Mackay surface offers consistent bounce, Ebadot could become a particularly dangerous proposition.
Taijul Islam should retain his position as Bangladesh’s second specialist spinner.
While Mehidy is likely to receive the bulk of the attention, Taijul’s accuracy and ability to bowl long spells make him an important asset.
His presence also allows Shanto to attack with greater freedom, knowing that he has two experienced spinners available for the middle and later stages of the Test.
Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (WK), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Taijul Islam
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