Bangladesh urged to put Darwin emotions aside, focus on Mackay Test vs Australia

Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons has urged his players to put their historic Darwin victory behind them and focus on the second Test in Mackay. With a 1-0 lead, Bangladesh can seal their first-ever Test series win over Australia if they repeat their impressive performance.Bangladesh will play their second Test against Australia in Mackay. Courtesy: Bangladesh CricketBangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has urged his players to draw a line under their historic Darwin triumph and quickly shift their focus to the second Test against Australia in Mackay. Bangladesh stunned the hosts by nine wickets in the series opener, securing their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil and taking a 1-0 lead.The result was built on a superb all-round display from the visitors, who outplayed Australia across four days. However, with Australia expected to come back strongly at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, Simmons wants Bangladesh to avoid being distracted by the significance of their achievement in Darwin.“Before we came here, we talked about how this is going to be a very challenging series for us. We have to enjoy these opportunities and this challenge. After the first Test, there are a lot of emotions,” Simmons said.“As professional cricketers, we have to come [up] again and again when we are going to face new conditions and a new challenge. So, the last couple of days we had a very good preparation phase, and the players are very much professional,” he added. FIVE GOOD DAYS OF CRICKET AGAINBangladesh produced a stunning all-round display in Darwin. Hasan Mahmud claimed career-best figures as Australia were bowled out for 198, while Tanzid Hasan’s 101 powered the visitors to 426 alongside Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 84 and Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s 65. Australia responded through Cameron Green’s 104, but Mehidy’s five-wicket haul ensured Bangladesh needed only 57 runs to win.Simmons knows Australia will be determined to make amends. The hosts have already made one change for Mackay, bringing Matt Renshaw back into the side for Jake Weatherald. “It’s a proud moment for all of the players – even ex-cricketers from Bangladesh. But it’s done; I think it’s gone. We need to play five days of good cricket again,” Simmons said.“This is a very important Test match for us to do well again [against] this bowling and batting attack. We did a great job [in Darwin], but we need to focus on this Test match.”Last week, Bangladesh returned to playing Test cricket in Australia after 23 years and immediately tasted success. They now have a chance to secure their first-ever Test series victory over Australia if they can replicate their Darwin heroics in Mackay.- EndsPublished By: sabyasachi chowdhuryPublished On: Aug 21, 2026 17:56 IST