Cummins Keeps Door Open for Changes After Australia’s Shock Loss to Bangladesh

Australia captain Pat Cummins has admitted that changes could be considered for the second Test against Bangladesh after the hosts suffered a stunning nine-wicket defeat in Darwin.

Bangladesh produced a historic performance, dominating Australia throughout the match before completing the victory shortly before tea on the fourth day. Australia were bowled out for just 198 after Cummins chose to bat first at the toss, while Bangladesh responded with 426.

Cummins accepted that Australia had been outplayed and said there were “no excuses” for the defeat.

“I thought our preparation was pretty much spot-on. I thought it was excellent, so, yeah, no excuses,” Cummins said after the match. “They played really well.”

The Australian captain acknowledged that his team failed to make the most of the conditions and struggled to build partnerships with the bat.

“They outplayed us in all facets. I thought they were really patient and quite disciplined. Once we were behind, it was really hard to get back,” he said.

Australia’s batting is likely to come under particular scrutiny ahead of the second Test in Mackay. Jake Weatherald managed scores of 23 and 0 in his first Test, while Marnus Labuschagne failed to convert a second-innings start.

Asked whether Australia could make changes, Cummins said it was too early to make a decision but admitted the team would review its combination.

“Every time there’s a game like this, you always kind of look at your match-ups and your make-up with the team for the next one,” Cummins said. “We only just finished, so we’ll have a think about it.”

The defeat came despite strong individual performances from Josh Hazlewood and Cameron Green.

Hazlewood claimed 6 for 89 in Bangladesh’s first innings, becoming the latest Australian bowler to reach the milestone of 300 Test wickets. Cummins praised the fast bowler for his impact on a pitch that offered limited assistance to seamers.

“He was fantastic. He’s one of the hardest workers and just showed his class,” Cummins said.

Green was another major positive for Australia, scoring his first Test century on home soil. Cummins praised his tempo and said Australia simply needed more support around him.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting had already called for changes before the start of the fourth day, arguing that the team needed to begin regenerating its Test side.

“I think it’s inevitable they have to make change,” Ponting said on Channel 7.

Ponting suggested that Australia could look at bringing in another opener and potentially making a change at No. 3.

The second Test in Mackay will therefore be closely watched, with Australia under pressure to respond quickly and Bangladesh aiming to build on one of the biggest Test victories in their history.