Bangladesh hold fitness doubts as Australia prepare for backlash in Mackay

Bangladesh are keeping their fingers crossed over the availability of in-form opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim for the second Test against Australia in Mackay starting on Saturday, August 22, with Test captain Najmul Hossain also concerned about Mushfiqur Rahim’s fitness ahead of the must-win contest.

Najmul Hossain said on Friday he was hopeful both Mushfiqur Rahim and Tanzid will be available, but insisted a final call on the left-handed opener must wait for medical clearance. Mushfiqur sustained a finger injury while batting in the nets during Thursday’s training session, while Tanzid did not bat because of neck stiffness.

Tanzid joined the training session and batted in the nets on Friday after completing his scan, a positive sign after his maiden Test hundred in Darwin. The team management is, however, waiting for the scan report before confirming his participation.

“Mushfiqur bhai is doing well so far. Tamim also batted today. Overall, I think we will be able to make a good decision tomorrow morning,” Shanto said. “I have an idea [about the playing XI] but I'll take another look tomorrow morning. As far as Tanzid is concerned he batted today and that is a positive sign. But in medical terms, we want to observe him a little more until tomorrow morning. Hopefully he will be fine. But we have all kinds of options. So I don't think there will be much of a problem.”

With Tanzid’s status uncertain, Soumya Sarkar had a long batting session for the second successive day as part of Bangladesh’s backup plan and could be required to play if Tanzid is ruled out at the last minute.

Selection headache over pace and spin

Apart from the openers, Najmul Hossain also has a few other selection calls to make, including whether to opt for a four-man pace attack at the expense of senior left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, or leave out one of the pacers who played in Darwin to make way for Shoriful Islam.

Shoriful, who joined the squad after missing the opening Test due to injury, is considered a valuable option given the comparatively stronger winds in Mackay, which are expected to aid his ability to swing the ball. His left-arm angle would also add variety to the attack.

“Shoriful is fine, healthy. He is bowling well. I hope he will do something good if he gets the chance,” Shanto said. “I think the bowlers will get a little help because of the wind. The swing might get a little extra. If the bowlers can use the wind, it will definitely be an added advantage for the bowlers.”

“The wicket looks good. Of course, the practice wicket we practiced on had a bit more bounce. All five pace bowlers in our squad are ready. The positive side is that the two spinners we have bowl well in any conditions. I think, since we have a little more time, we will take another look at the wicket in the morning and make whatever decision is best for the team,” he added.

“I have said many times that the spin attack we have is very experienced and can bowl in any condition. They know how to bowl in these conditions. With the kind of spinners we have in the team, we have the opportunity to play with three pacers and two spin bowlers. I am very happy with the combination we are playing with. The fast bowlers are doing a great job. If we really think that we need a fourth pacer, then the fourth and fifth pacers are also ready to do their job.”

Australia brace for backlash

Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons expects Australia to respond strongly after his side recorded a nine-wicket win in the series opener in Darwin, Bangladesh’s first Test victory on Australian soil and described by Australian media as the "Darwin Disaster".

"The only thing I had to say to them - and I will repeat it anyway - is that Australia is going to come harder," Simmons said. "We have to either keep that level of performance or get a little bit better. Even if we have to get 1% better in some areas, then we will have to make sure that that's there. But we know that they are going to change their game. They are going to come harder at us."

Simmons said the Darwin win was among the most satisfying results of his coaching career in Test cricket and noted Bangladesh could retain the same XI despite Shoriful Islam pushing for a return after taking 27 wickets in 13 Tests.

"He offers something different. But again, we just won a test match. I'm one ... who hardly likes to change winning teams. So it's a possibility, but I can't really say."

Australia confirmed one change on Friday. Matt Renshaw will open the batting in place of Jake Weatherald, who was dropped on Tuesday. Captain Pat Cummins had also considered playing four pacers by bringing in Scott Boland and leaving out spinner Nathan Lyon, but the final XI was confirmed after training.

"I think if we play really well and we lose, you feel like you need to do some soul searching," Cummins said. "I certainly felt like we didn't play anywhere near our best, and they played really well and they deserved to win. So, I think it's going back to when we play well. I think everyone's in a pretty good nick. So it's just about translating our form into actually a good result."

Shanto said Bangladesh’s Darwin Test win is now history and the focus is on a strong five-day performance. "I think it's done. The Darwin win is over now. Now we have to play good cricket for five days again. It's very important for us to do well in this Test match. We have to do well again against this bowling and batting attack. Of course, we should play [against big teams like Australia, England in their own backyard]. I don't think we will improve without playing against them," he concluded.