'We fulfilled 80% of our dream': Hasan Mahmud hails Bangladesh's historic Australia draw

Bangladesh pace bowler Hasan Mahmud declared that the touring side managed to achieve “80 percent” of their dream of dominating against Australia in the just-concluded two-match Test series, which finished locked at 1-1.

Bangladesh shared honours with the host nation as the series ended level, with Australia claiming a crushing innings defeat over Bangladesh in Mackay after the tourists had won the opening Test in Darwin by nine wickets.

Mahmud, whose five-wicket haul in the opening Test set the tone for the touring party in Darwin, was bullish about what the team accomplished on a demanding away trip.

“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.

The pacer credited the team's preparation for the drubbing they delivered in the first Test and the resilience shown thereafter.

“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,” he said, adding: “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.”

Confidence to dominate more in world cricket

The 27-year-old struck a defiant tone about the future, insisting that regular exposure to the world's top outfits would only make Bangladesh more dangerous on the global stage.

“The more we play in this kind of condition, we will dominate, and get to play against the bigger teams more often, I hope to win more games in future, and dominate more in world cricket,” he said.

A key driver of the series performance, Mahmud argued, was the fast-bowling unit's relentless accuracy with the new ball — a focal point of their pre-series planning.

“We (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, analyst,” he said. “Obviously Australia are one of the world's best teams. We talked about our plans that would be 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 new ball, swinging new ball, (to) bowl maintaining line and length.”

Summing up the effort of the pace attack, he added: “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 I would say. Everyone tried to give their best, I think we were all sure to deliver in the match, and obviously there was a major contribution from the fast bowlers behind our victory, as a fast bowling unit we were really confident for this series.”

Starc's tips for Shoriful

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

“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.

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