- True cricket connoisseurs, irrespective of their affiliation and preferences, have time and again reaffirmed unequivocally that performing admirably in Test cricket is the ultimate achievement that cannot be compared with any other format, especially the white-ball format. Ask any cricketer about what the true yardsticks are to assess their credentials as performers; the answer would invariably be the longer format, i.e., five-day Tests. The statistics in the classical format will be considered for gauging the true worth of cricketers, which is a known fact. The coming of age of any Test-playing nation on the cricketing firmament will certainly be considered when a spectacular achievement occurs on the field in the traditional format.
PC: BBC
- For the longest period of time, cricket-playing nations like Australia, England, India, West Indies, South Africa, and New Zealand were considered the teams to beat, especially at home. Of course, the West Indies have fallen away worryingly over the last couple of decades. We know how the other Test-playing nation, like Bangladesh, has struggled to live up to expectations while facing the stronger teams in Tests. However, that is set to change with the touring Team Bangladesh humbling the formidable Australia in their own den by winning the first Test match at Darwin comprehensively. Mind you, it is their first win in Australia, and it has come at a time when the home Team was playing with a full team, with all the regular players available for selection.
PC: The Times of India
- Playing Down Under is always considered one of the toughest assignments for any touring side. And Bangladesh is still considered a minnow in the Test-playing hierarchy. The ongoing two-match Test series was considered not-so-challenging for the Aussies, who were expected to roll over the visitors nonchalantly. As we know, not for nothing, cricket is always mentioned as a game of glorious uncertainties. This maxim came to the fore yet again, reaffirming how cricket can be so uncertain, producing the unexpected with such relish. The touring Bangladeshis won the first Test match in Darwin by nine wickets, beating the Aussies hands down. The fate of the match was almost sealed when the Aussies were bundled out for a mere 198 runs in the first innings.
PC: India Today
- Team Bangla posted a healthy 426 in the first innings, taking a handsome lead of 228 runs. The fast bowlers from the touring side did a commendable job in restricting the home team. What followed in the Aussies’ second innings was again unexpected. Even though the team fought valiantly, a score of 284 was never going to be sufficient to pose any challenge to the opposition, a mere 57-run lead. The target was overhauled in no time by the inspired Team Bangla, winning a historic Test by nine wickets. This must be marked as a great turn in the history of Bangla cricket, providing a greater fillip to their campaign from here on. Will the touring team sustain the momentum and go on to either win the second Test or draw it to win the series? Let’s see.
