Coach's tough love in nets pays off

Three days out from the first Test in Australia since 2003, Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons was heard admonishing Hasan Mahmud in the nets at Marrara Oval after an expansive but poorly executed shot. Minutes earlier Simmons had told tailenders to "give me 40-50 balls each in the match" before sending them out to pad up first for a hit, and he summoned the young fast bowler for a brief headmasterly chat before another go.

On Friday evening that tough love was repaid. Hasan Mahmud produced a heroic rearguard with the bat after starring with the ball, facing 76 deliveries late on Day One to help push Bangladesh into a position of complete dominance in the opening Test of the home summer.

Hasan walked out in a classic Australian cauldron, with pumped up fast bowlers, a packed slip cordon and momentum threatening to swing after Bangladesh lost three massive wickets for 11 runs. Even though the start was edgy, the youngster's gumption and Simmons' orders came to the fore as he held off the charge.

Hasan ended up putting on an unbeaten stand of 43 in 147 deliveries with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the third longest of the Bangladesh innings at that stage. The partnership kept Australia in the field longer in sapping heat and formed part of the pure defiance rarely seen from an opposition side on these shores.

Ponting questions Australia's long-term plan

The defiance has coincided with a horror start for the hosts. Australia were bowled out for 198 after choosing to bat, with Steve Smith top-scoring with 71 and the only batter to pass 25. Hasan Mahmud took his best Test figures of six for 55.

Bangladesh reached 96 for one at stumps on Day One, trailing by 102, after Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green fell cheaply.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting criticised selectors for sticking with what they know ahead of a 21-Test year ending with the Ashes. Speaking at lunch on Day One, Ponting said the selectors had decided not to blood younger players for the two-Test series against Bangladesh and questioned when introductions would happen, adding that Cummins' decision to bat first surprised the camp but the top-order mistakes were the decisive factor.