DHAKA, Aug 23, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh achieved a historic milestone by rising 
to sixth place in the ICC Test rankings for the first time after a 1-1 Test 
series draw against Australia.

Bangladesh won the first Test in Darwin by nine wickets before slumping to an 
innings and 51-run defeat in the second Test inside two days. 

Despite the humiliating outcome in the second Test, the overall result in 
Australia was pretty satisfying for a team, visiting here after 23 years.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto hailed it as a big achievement, 
saying that they are keen to improve more in Test, dubbed as the elite format 
of cricket. 

"Alhamdulillah, I just came to know about it. Good news, definitely good 
news," Shanto said after the second Test in Mackay today. "Of course, we have 
come to number six for the first time in Test cricket. It is a big 
achievement."

Citing the rankings update as positive for them, he said regular 
opportunities to play against top teams would help Bangladesh improve in 
challenging conditions.

"I think we should be called. Whatever happens, if we are called, we will 
also know about these conditions, be able to take on these challenges and 
play good cricket, InshaAllah," he said, expressing hope that Bangladesh 
would be invited to Australia again.

Shanto also admitted that the ranking achievement would have felt even better 
had Bangladesh produced a stronger performance in the second Test.
 
"The good news would have been even better if we had played good cricket in 
this Test match," he said.

The Bangladesh captain also revealed that he has a major ambition for the 
country's Test team, although he declined to disclose it.

"Many people may not believe me when I talk about my dream of making the Test 
team, but it's very secret. I don't want to say it. If I ever achieve it, I 
will definitely say it," Shanto said. "But I have a very big dream."