Bangladesh is on the verge of achieving the once-unthinkable — a series victory over Australia.
After securing a 20-run win in the first Test, the host will look to wrap up the series in the deciding second Test that starts here on Monday at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, a venue that historically favours the spinners.
Bangladesh spinners took all but one of Australia’s 20 wickets in the first Test, with Shakib claiming 10.
“The Australian team is very strong and they will come back hard. We know that. But our boys are also pretty fresh and they are very consistent. So if we do the right things I think the result will come our way,” Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim said.
Bangladesh came close to winning series against England and Sri Lanka but was forced to settle for draws.
In the 16 years of its Test history, the Bangladesh has just three series victories — against Zimbabwe (twice in 2005 and 2014) and a second-string West Indies (2009) team affected by a player strike.
“It’s hard to get the Australia team under pressure so we must take our opportunity to win the series,” Rahim said.
“We have talked about this, we don’t get these chances every day. We are 1-0 ahead but Australia will respond strongly. We bounced back well in our last two series. It proves the progress in our minds.”
Australia has recalled left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe for the injured Josh Hazlewood and could play him alongside frontline spinners Nathan Lyon and Ashton Agar.
“I think the inclusion of O’Keefe is a good one, it gives us the option to play three spinners if we like,” Australia captain Steven Smith said. “Bangladesh did that against us last week and it’s just a nice option to change your bowlers around so you never really settle against anyone. If it’s really spinning it’s a good option. There’s a possibility that we go in with that.”
Australia’s Test ranking could slide to sixth if it loses the second Test.