Hasan Mahmud credited Bangladesh’s preparation and disciplined bowling after producing a historic six-wicket haul against Australia on the opening day of the first Test in Darwin.
The pacer returned career-best figures of 6/55 as Bangladesh bowled Australia out for 198. It was the first Test five-wicket haul by a Bangladesh bowler on Australian soil.
Hasan said bowling against one of the world’s best teams was a major challenge, but Bangladesh’s preparation helped the bowlers make the most of the conditions.
“Alhamdulillah, bowling in such a challenging moment against one of the best teams in the world is very challenging,” Hasan said.
“We practised a lot and I would say our preparation was very good. We had a lot of time to practise and I think the bowlers prepared really well. You could see that in the match.”
Hasan also praised Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain for creating pressure from the other end.
“They supported me very well. Especially Taskin and Ebadot bowled really well,” he said.
Hasan struck twice in the morning by removing Jake Weatherald and Travis Head. He later completed his five-wicket haul with the prized wicket of Steve Smith, who made 71 from 109 balls. Nathan Lyon became his sixth victim as Australia were dismissed for 198.
While Hasan described all six wickets as special, Smith’s dismissal stood out for him.
“All the wickets are special to me because you cannot get five wickets without taking all five,” Hasan said.
“Especially Smith’s wicket. My instinct was telling me that he was going to try something, so I bowled the bouncer.”
Hasan said there was moisture in the pitch early in the morning and the surface was soft enough to offer seam movement. Bangladesh therefore focused on disciplined bowling and building pressure in partnerships.
“We planned to bowl with a lot of discipline and bowl in partnerships. That is what happened,” he said.
“Ebadot and Taskin bowled really well from one end and ultimately we were able to build pressure.”
Hasan also revealed that some Australian players spoke to him during his memorable spell.
“During the match, Travis Head said ‘good bowling’ and Nathan Lyon asked me how many five-wicket hauls I had,” he said.
The 26-year-old now has Test five-wicket hauls in Pakistan, India and Australia. Hasan said he valued all three achievements and wanted to continue performing against the world’s leading sides.
His recent spell in English county cricket also helped him adapt to Australian conditions.
Hasan played for Kent and produced a 6/69 haul against Lancashire at Blackpool on his County Championship debut. He finished that match with nine wickets.
“I find the conditions in Australia and England very similar,” Hasan said. “I got six wickets in England as well in Blackpool, so I got that experience and brought it here, bowling with a bit of confidence.”
Hasan also spoke of his admiration for Australia’s celebrated pace attack.
“I have been following them since I was playing cricket. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Hazlewood are some of my best fast bowlers from Australia,” he said.
Bangladesh backed up Hasan’s performance with a strong start with the bat, reaching 96/1 at stumps and finishing the day only 102 runs behind Australia’s first-innings total.
