We take a look at the second and final Test between Bangladesh and Australia to be played in Chittagong from 4 September – 8 September.
Following their historic win over Australia in the first Test earlier this week, Bangladesh will be looking to wrap the two-match Test series up when the sides meet at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong on Monday.
Can the hosts claim what will be a famous series win or will the Steve Smith and his charges be buoyed by their day four collapse in the first Test and come back even stronger? Time will tell.
Bangladesh vs Australia | 4 September – 8 September | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong
To Win Match
Bangladesh 5/2 | Draw 3/1 | Australia 8/10
Bangladesh
Taijul Islam sent the packed Shere Bangla National Stadium into delirium as he trapped Josh Hazlewood LBW as Bangladesh claimed their first ever Test win over Australia. While much has been made of the victory, it doesn’t really come as a surprise.
Bangladesh have been on the up for a number of years now, claiming Test victories against the just about all of the traditional powerhouses. Even though they’re ranked ninth in the world, I really don’t think the likes of the West Indies, Sri Lanka and even Pakistan would beat them in a five-match series home or away.
Shakib Al Hasan was the hero for Pakistan. The all-rounder picked up a 10-wicket haul – only the second of his illustrious career – as well as battling his way to a first innings 84. Tamim Iqbal also showed his worth scoring 71 in the first innings and 78 in the second.
There’s no doubt that the Bangladeshis will employ the same tactics that worked to such great effect in Dhaka. Their spin heavy attack bowed the bulk of the overs, in fact out of 145.4 overs, the seamers only bowled 15. More of the same can be expected going into Chittagong where Australia’s top order is likely to struggle again.
Australia
Australia have endured a pretty dreadful run of results in Asia over the last five years. They’ve played 13 Tests in all on the continent, winning once and losing 12 times. They’re now staring down the barrel of another series defeat in Asia after against Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India.
The biggest issue the Aussies have at the moment is their top order. There was precious little in the way of meaningful top order partnerships in the first Test. The only ones of any substance came from Peter Handscomb and Matt Renshaw in the first innings (69), and David Warner and Steve Smith in the second (130).
It should come as no surprise that the Aussie spinners were far more effective than their seam team mates. As such, Steve O’Keefe has been recalled to the side and will likely come in for Pat Cummins or Josh Hazlewood. O’Keefe’s recall comes as a bit of a surprise following his outburst at New South Wales’ end of year party. He copped a $20 000 fine and was slapped with a Matador Cup ban.
O’Keefe – despite his drunken gaffe – will make a marked difference to the side. He’ll operate as the more attacking of the off-spin duo with Nathan Lyon will just be asked to continue the good work he did in the last Test which saw him finish with match figures of 9-161.
Verdict: Bangladesh 5/2
Bangladesh are excellent at home. Australia are awful in Asia. That alone should speak volumes, the fact that you’re getting Bangladesh at 5/2 is gift. The hosts will be buzzing after their thrilling win last week – get on!
