Hasan Mahmud: Bangladesh fulfilled 80% of their Australia dream

Bangladesh pace bowler Hasan Mahmud has declared that his side fulfilled approximately “80 percent” of their dream of dominating Australia in the just-concluded two-match Test series, describing the 1-1 draw as a “big achievement” for the touring party.

Bangladesh shared honours with the host after Australia crushed them by an innings in Mackay, following Bangladesh’s stunning nine-wicket victory in the opening Test at Darwin. Hasan, who picked up a five-wicket haul in the opening Test to set the tone for the tourists, believes the series proved the team’s growth on the world stage.

“Winning in Darwin to giving them a tough time in Mackay, dominating in bowling, the dream that we had before coming to Australia, that we would play against them and dominate. I think we were able to fulfil 80% of our target,” Hasan said.

“When we started training in Australia, our thinking, dedication and focus in practice, I would say we were able to apply it fully and all the players tried to give their best. We can still feel the result of our work; the thing that we all fought for, we almost achieved it. Unfortunately the series was drawn but it was a big achievement for us,” he added.

Accuracy the key for pace unit

Hasan credited the touring party’s success to disciplined fast bowling, describing accuracy as the defining factor behind their breakthrough performance against one of the world’s best teams.

“We (the pace bowling unit) have been trying to improve in the last few years, and before coming to Australia we talked among ourselves regarding the conditions and challenges that we would face — we also communicated with the coach and analyst,” he explained.

“Obviously Australia are one of the world’s best teams. We talked about the plans that we would keep in store for them. After coming to Australia we tried to put into effect in training the work that we were supposed to do, like accuracy with the new ball, swinging the new ball, and bowling with a consistent line and length.”

“Overall the way our pacers were working, their dedication and focus and the way they were moving forward according to plan, it was a sign of improvement. Everyone tried to give their best, and I think we were all able to deliver in the match. There was a major contribution from the fast bowlers behind our victory; as a fast bowling unit we were really confident for this series,” he said.

Looking ahead, Hasan said Bangladesh would only grow stronger from playing in such demanding conditions. “The more we play in this kind of condition, the more we will dominate, and get to play against the bigger teams more often. I hope to win more games in the future and dominate more in world cricket,” he said.

Shoriful picks Starc’s brain after Mackay Test

Meanwhile, Shoriful Islam, who claimed seven wickets in the first innings of the second Test, revealed he had sought advice from Australia’s veteran left-armer Mitchell Starc after the Mackay game.

“Basically when the game ended I wanted to talk with him (Starc), and asked for some of his time which he agreed to, and I inquired what kind of fitness levels he maintains before a series and how he prepares himself,” said Shoriful, who was seen in deep conversation with the Australia paceman after the second Test.

“He (Starc) said given his age (36), his preparation is a little different from ours, but I got to know about all this and also how he maintains himself after a game,” the Bangladesh fast bowler concluded.