The performance has impressed former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie, who faced Bangladesh during his playing career. Gillespie praised Bangladesh’s pace attack, while admitting he would have loved to see Nahid Rana also involved.
Speaking to the media in Darwin, Gillespie singled out Hasan, who claimed a career-best 6 for 55, the best bowling figures by any bowler in Australia-Bangladesh Test matches.
“Hasan Mahmud took six for 55, which is the best figures by any bowler in an Australia-Bangladesh contest. That is a fantastic achievement for him and he deserved it because he bowled really well. The other fast bowlers also did a really good job.”
Gillespie was particularly impressed by the collective performance of Bangladesh’s quicks, who played a major role in dismissing Australia for under 200.
“Everyone in Bangladesh’s team has impressed me. Hasan obviously did very well, but Ebadot and Taskin also bowled really well. The fast bowlers were the ones who were most effective in bowling Australia out for under 200. I thought they were excellent.”
Gillespie, however, felt Bangladesh’s attack would have been even more exciting with Nahid Rana in it. The young fast bowler was ruled out of the Australia tour after suffering a side strain during the series against Zimbabwe.
Gillespie is eager to see the express quick return to action.
“Is Nahid Rana fit for the next Test? Is he back in the squad? I watched him in the PSL. He bowls with a lot of pace and aggression. He is a very tall fast bowler. It would have been great to see him here, but hopefully he recovers quickly and gets back to playing for Bangladesh.”
For Gillespie, one of the biggest positives in Bangladesh’s recent pace-bowling development is the depth available to the team.
“The good thing about Bangladesh’s current fast bowlers is the depth. Bangladesh don’t want to rely on just one or two bowlers. I think the coaching staff want to develop a number of fast bowlers who can play across all formats. Creating that depth is really important.”
Gillespie also believes Bangladesh should play in Australia far more regularly. The gap of 23 years between Test matches in Australia, he said, is simply too long.
“A 23-year gap between Tests in Darwin is far too long. For me, that’s not acceptable. Bangladesh should be coming here regularly. I’m sure everyone in Bangladesh would love to play at big grounds like Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide. Hopefully, that happens in the future.”
