Shanto Calls for Regular Australian Tours to Grow Bangladesh’s Test Experience
After a 1–1 draw in Australia, Najmul Hossain Shanto says Bangladesh need regular Tests there, as most of the squad had never played in the country.
By SportCricket Desk · 23 Aug 2026 · 3 min read
Bangladesh captain Shanto has said his side need to play Tests in Australia far more often if they are to build lasting experience. He spoke after Bangladesh’s first Test tour of the country in 23 years ended in a 1–1 series draw.
Bangladesh won the first Test in Darwin by nine wickets, historic in itself, before Australia replied with an innings-and-51-run win in Mackay.
No excuses after Mackay
The second Test finished inside two days on August 23. Shanto admitted it was a disappointing end and that batting had been extremely hard, but he did not blame the conditions. He said the toss mattered, yet the team simply did not bat well against a very good attack.
He accepted there are technical areas that need work, especially against quality pace bowling in demanding conditions.
The case for more tours
Bangladesh last played a Test in Australia in 2003, so most of the current squad had little or no experience there. Shanto estimated that around 90% of the players had never played in the country.
He argued that regular visits would help players get used to the pace and bounce, adjust faster and play with more confidence against Australia and other strong pace attacks.
Ranking milestone
Shanto still saw positives, including the team’s rise to No. 6 in the Test rankings, which he called a huge achievement. He admitted it would have felt better with a stronger showing in Mackay.
The draw has given Bangladesh valuable exposure, but in Shanto’s view more frequent tours are essential to turn that into long-term improvement.
