Australia captain Pat Cummins conceded that the Bangladesh team played better cricket than they did after the Tigers achieved their maiden Test win in Australia. They defeated the Kangaroos in the first Test of the two-match series, which was played in Darwin, by 9 wickets to go 1-0 up.
The hosts lost their first-ever Test match against Bangladesh at home after failing to push Bangladesh in any department in the series opener at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin.
The cricket world was rocked by Sunday's dramatic outcome in Darwin, but Australian captain Cummins has taken his team's loss with grace.
Cummins stated that the Australian team prepared well for the Darwin Test, but were completely outplayed by Bangladesh on Day 1 and from there itself, they failed to find a way back into the contest.
“I thought our preparation (for the first Test) was pretty much spot on. I thought it was excellent. So, no excuses. They (Bangladesh) played really well. I thought the Day 1 wicket was doing a little bit early, but obviously, you’ve got to try and find a way to bat a little bit longer than we did. And then, just couldn’t penetrate with the ball. But I thought they played really well," Cummins said during the post-match presentation.
“I think they outplayed us in all facets, really. I thought they were really patient and quite disciplined. And, yeah, once we were behind, it was really hard to get back," he added.
Australia was bowled out for 198 in the first innings with Hasan Mahmud taking six wickets. Bangladesh hammered 426 in their first innings thanks to a century by Tanzid Tamim and half-centuries by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Australia managed 284 in their second innings with Cameron Green scoring a century and Miraz taking a five-for. Bangladesh chased down the 57-run target with 9 wickets in hand and won the Test.
Cummins stated that the Australian team will analyse the loss and performance in the coming days. He also issued a warning to Bangladesh ahead of the second Test, saying Australia are “pretty good" at bouncing back after setbacks.
“I think every time there’s a game like this, you always kind of look at your match-ups and your make-up of the team for the next one. But we only just finished, so we’ll have a think about it. We’re pretty good at bouncing back, so no doubt the batters and every group will get together and have a good think about this one and where we can improve," he added.
The two sides will now clash in the second and final Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay from August 22 onwards.
