Hasan becomes first Bangladeshi pacer to take five-for in Australia

Dhaka, 13 Aug—Hasan Mahmud fulfilled a dream in spectacular fashion today by becoming the first Bangladeshi pacer to claim a five-wicket haul on Australian soil after claiming a career-best 6-55 against Australia in the Darwin Test.

Hasan had spoken before the tour about his ambition to take at least five wickets in an innings twice in Australia. He needed only one innings to make history, producing a superb spell as Bangladesh bowled Australia out for 198 on the opening day of the first cricket Test at Marrara Cricket Ground.

The batters didn’t let his feat to go waste as they batted sensibly in difficult conditions to reach 96-1, putting the side firmly in control of the game. Hasan’s six-wicket haul is the first five-for by a Bangladeshi bowler in Australia across all three formats.

Before Hasan, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza held Bangladesh's best Test bowling figures in Australia with three wickets, while Rubel Hossain had taken four wickets in an ODI and Taskin Ahmed four in a T20I.

Hasan began his spell by dismissing Jake Weatherald, who edged a delivery outside off stump while attempting to drive. He then removed Travis Head with extra bounce and movement before returning after lunch to claim Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, both caught behind.

Captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto brought Hasan back immediately after tea, and the pacer completed his five-wicket haul when Steve Smith attempted to pull a bouncer and was caught.

 Hasan then dismissed Nathan Lyon to complete his career-best figures of 6-55. All three of Hasan's Test five-wicket hauls have now come overseas. He previously claimed five wickets against India in Chennai and Pakistan in Rawalpindi, both in 2024.

Among Bangladeshi pacers, Hasan now has the most Test five-wicket hauls outside Bangladesh, with three. He also has a five-wicket haul in county cricket in England.

Speaking to Australian great Adam Gilchrist during the innings break, Hasan said he was looking forward to playing in Australia because of the quality of the opposition.

"I just bowled according to the line and length, tried to follow the process and follow what the captain said," Hasan said. Despite his outstanding individual performance, Hasan credited the collective effort of the Bangladesh bowling attack for keeping Australia under pressure throughout the innings.BSS