Najmul Hossain Shanto-File photo

DHAKA, Aug 23, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto insisted 
that no one should be blamed individually for a sensational batting collapse 
which consigned them to an innings and 51-run defeat to Australia in the 
second and final Test in Mackay.

Bangladesh opened the series with a historic nine-wicket in Darwin and came 
into the match to create more histories but the hosts hit back strongly in 
the second Test to level the series 1-1.

Even though the Mackay pitch was tough for batting, most of the Bangladesh 
batters played some irresponsible shots to dig their own graveyards.
 
Bangladesh were bowled out for 64 in the first innings before being rolled 
over for 95 in the second innings, making it the first time in their history 
to be all out under 100 twice in a Test. And by doing so, they also became 
the first team in 21 years to be dismissed twice.

Speaking to the reporters in Mackay, Shanto said the defeat was a valuable 
lesson for Bangladesh, particularly after the team struggled with the bat on 
a difficult surface.

"We could have batted better in the second innings. Australia also suffered 
while batting in their first innings. We have to admit that the wicket was 
tough, but we also played some bad shots," he said.

"I don't want to blame anyone individually, we played badly as a team."
The Bangladesh captain also accepted responsibility for his own dismissal 
after getting set, saying he should have stayed at the crease longer.

"It is not acceptable at all, to be honest. I should have stayed on the 
wicket for a while longer," Shanto said.

Despite the heavy defeat in Mackay, Shanto believes Bangladesh's victory in 
Darwin should not be underestimated. He said the result demonstrated the 
progress the Test side has made in recent years.

"I don't think anyone will forget what we did in Darwin. But it is also true 
that we did not play good cricket in this Test," he said.

"The way Australia played in Mackay shows what kind of team we really beat in 
Darwin. They decided to bowl first at home, which I have heard they don't 
usually do. This comeback by Australia proves how much of a challenge we gave 
them."

Bangladesh's victory in Darwin came less than five years after their 
memorable eight-wicket win over New Zealand in Mount Maunganui in January 
2022. Shanto said those two away victories represent important milestones for 
the Test team.

"I personally wasn't overly excited after the win in Darwin. Initially, I 
took it as a simple win. But the last two days, standing in the dugout and 
slips, I realized what we had really achieved," he said.

"We won a wonderful Test match in Darwin, which we can be proud of. We now 
have two big wins, like beating New Zealand and Australia in their 
conditions, next to our names. Hopefully, we will do the same in South 
Africa, which will take our Test team further forward."

Shanto said Bangladesh had prepared seriously for the Mackay Test despite the 
emotional high of their Darwin triumph. The Great Barrier Reef Arena pitch 
was described by its curator as similar to the Brisbane wicket, presenting 
the visitors with another demanding examination.

The captain said the most important outcome from the tour was the experience 
gained from playing against a strong Australian bowling attack in challenging 
conditions.

"We tried our best on this tour. We have to keep in mind that we have not 
played against such a bowling attack in such conditions before," he said. 
"The most important thing now is to use this experience in the future."