Published: 11:34 AM, 25 August 2026
We played badly as a team in Mackay Test: Shanto
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."
Meanwhile, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has backed wicketkeeper-batsman Liton Das despite his three consecutive ducks in the drawn Test series against Australia, saying the experienced batter remains a vital cog in the team.
Liton failed to open his account in all three innings he played during the series, but Shanto said he would not judge the 30-year-old solely on his recent scores.
"Liton has played some great innings recently, so I am not judging him with these three zeros. I still think he is very effective for his batting team at number six," Shanto said.
"In such conditions, anyone can get out even if he is good. We know his capabilities. He has a great influence on the Bangladesh Test team. I am hopeful that he will bounce back in the next series."
Initially though Liton was not drafted into the squad for the first Test in Darwin, he recovered swiftly to make him available for both Tests.
"Unfortunately he couldn't score as per his own expectation and also as per our expectation but that doesn't mean that he was not in good shape. He tried his best to serve the team as he did always. Hopefully he will get back amongst runs very soon."
