DHAKA, Aug 13, 2026 (BSS)—Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud said his county cricket experience in England boosted his confidence as he produced a career-best six-wicket haul against Australia in the opening Test in Darwin today, giving the side a control in the game. 

Hasan claimed 6-55 in Australia’s first innings, becoming first Bangladeshi bowler to take a five-for on Australian soil. His performance was instrumental in Bangladesh’s dream start in a Test match Down Under they are playing after 23 years.

Speaking at the end of the opening day, Hasan said he found the conditions in Darwin similar to those he had experienced during county cricket in England.

“In terms of experience, I would say that I have found two similar conditions,” Hasan said. “After bowling there, I feel more confident about how to bowl in these conditions or what length to bowl.”

Bangladesh’s pace attack made the most of a moist and soft pitch in the morning session, extracting considerable seam movement. Hasan said the bowlers followed a disciplined plan and worked in partnerships.

“The wicket had a little moisture in the morning, it was soft and there was seam movement. We planned to bowl in disciplined manner and to bowl in partnerships and that is what happened,” he remarked. 

Hasan was instrumental in dismantling Australia’s batting line-up, dismissing key batters including Travis Head and Steven Smith.

He said Smith’s dismissal came from instinct, with the pacer anticipating that the experienced batter might attempt something against the short ball.

“I will say Smith’s wicket especially, he was not able to predict. My instinct was working that he would do something, so I hit the bouncer and he missed,” Hasan opined. 

The right-arm pacer was quick to share the credit with his teammates, particularly Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain. He said pressure from both ends allowed Bangladesh to keep Australia’s batters under control and eventually trigger their collapse.

“Ebadot and Taskin bowled very well from the other end, allowing us to ultimately build that pressure. It ended well for us,” he informed. 

Bangladesh also made a steady start with the bat late in the day to reach 96-1 after Australia were bowled out for 198.

The visiting Bangladesh weathered the deficit to 102 runs and would look to take a big lead in an effort to win the game.

“The batters also responded well. Unfortunately Shadman Islam was dismissed but Mominul Haque and Tanzid Hasan Tamim built a partnership which edged us ahead,” Hasan said.