Confident Shanto urges Bangladesh to produce 'five days of good cricket' against Australia

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto believes his team's historic victory over Australia in Darwin has given the batters the confidence to take on any bowling attack as they prepare for the second Test in Mackay.

Bangladesh stunned Australia by nine wickets in the opening Test, securing their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil. The visitors dominated with the bat, scoring 426 in their first innings after Australia were bowled out for 198.

The result was particularly significant as Bangladesh were touring Australia for the first time since 2003.

Shanto draws confidence from Australia's attack

Shanto, who scored 84 in the first Test and played a key role in Bangladesh's batting effort, said he had been eager to test himself against Australia's bowling attack.

"Personally, I really wanted to face this kind of bowling attack because I always believe that if I can score against this kind of bowling attack, I'll be able to score against anyone," Shanto said ahead of the second Test.

The Bangladesh captain believes performing against a high-quality attack in challenging conditions can provide lasting confidence.

"When you score against this kind of team, it gives you a lot of confidence going forward when we play in these kind of conditions or against this kind of bowling attack again," he added.

Bangladesh's batting unit showed considerable discipline in Darwin, occupying the crease for 138 overs in their first innings. Tanzid Hasan scored his maiden Test century, while Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed half-centuries. Mominul Haque also made an important 49.

The visitors' ability to consistently leave deliveries outside the off stump was another major feature of their performance.

Extra bounce expected in Mackay

Shanto expects the Mackay pitch to offer more bounce than the surface in Darwin, but believes his batters are prepared for the challenge.

"In these conditions, there will be a little bit more extra bounce than Darwin," he said. "Before we came here, we had been preparing on this kind of bouncy track."

Bangladesh's recent experience against Zimbabwe has also helped them prepare for the conditions.

"We had a series against Zimbabwe, where we got an almost similar [pitch], so we have the idea of how to play on it," Shanto said.

He added that the team's recent net sessions had focused heavily on adapting to the additional bounce.

Bangladesh ready to adapt

Shanto stressed that Bangladesh do not intend to follow the same approach in every Test, instead adapting their strategy according to the conditions and opposition.

"We have different plans for different conditions. We are not going to play every single Test match in the same way," he said.

Against Australia in Darwin, patience was central to their approach, particularly given the relative inexperience within the Bangladesh side.

"We play differently in the subcontinent. Sometimes it depends on the conditions, the surface, and the bowling attack," Shanto explained. "For the last Test match, the plan was that we need to be patient enough. We are not the most experienced side, so sometimes we just have to be patient."

Shanto wants Bangladesh to move on from historic win

Bangladesh's victory in Darwin generated huge celebrations back home, but Shanto believes his players must now put the achievement behind them and concentrate on the second Test.

"There are a lot of emotions," he acknowledged, while emphasizing the need for professionalism.

The captain said senior players have been helping the younger members of the squad maintain their focus and repeat the habits that produced success in the opening Test.

"Some experienced guys are there. They talk to the young players that we are coming back to it again, and do the right things over and over in practice," he said.

Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons had also emphasized the importance of controlling emotions after the historic victory.

For Shanto, the message is straightforward: enjoy the achievement, but do not become distracted by it.

"It's a proud moment for all of the players - even ex-cricketers from Bangladesh. But it's done; I think it's gone," Shanto said.

"We need to play five days of good cricket again."

With Bangladesh leading the series 1-0, the captain knows Australia will be determined to respond in Mackay. He believes his side is prepared for another demanding Test and focused on reproducing the discipline that earned them their historic victory in Darwin.