Hasan Mahmud reflects on successful Australian tour, reveals conversation with Mitchell Starc

Bangladesh completed their two-match Test series against Australia with a 1-1 draw after contrasting results in the two matches. The team secured a historic win in the opening Test at Darwin by nine wickets before Australia responded with an innings victory in Mackay. The series provided Bangladesh with significant moments in their Test cricket journey against one of the world's leading teams.

Hasan Mahmud, the Bangladesh pace bowler, reflected on the team's performance and the lessons gained from the tour. The 26-year-old took a career-best 6 for 55 in the first Test at Darwin and claimed 9 wickets in that match to earn Player of the Match honours. His standout performance made him the first Bangladesh bowler to take a five-wicket haul in Australia.

“Winning in Darwin to giving them a tough time in Mackay, dominating in bowling, the dream that we had before coming to Australia, that we would play against them and dominate. I think we were able to fulfil % of our target,” Hasan was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Bangladesh pace bowling unit's preparation

When we started training in Australia, our thinking, dedication and focus in practice, I would say we were able to apply it fully and all the players tried to give their best," Mahmud said.

"We can still feel the result of our work, the thing that we all fought for, we almost achieved it, unfortunately the series was drawn but it was a big achievement for us," he further said.

"The more we play in this kind of condition, we will dominate, and get to play against the bigger teams more often, I hope to win more games in future, and dominate more in world cricket," Mahmud added.

The Bangladesh pace bowling unit had prepared meticulously before the tour, discussing conditions and challenges with coaching staff and analysts.

Learning from Mitchell Starc

After the second Test in Mackay concluded, Mahmud sought out Mitchell Starc to discuss the Australian fast bowler's approach to fitness and preparation. At 36 years old, Starc has maintained his place in Australia's Test squad through rigorous conditioning and recovery methods that Mahmud was keen to understand.

"Basically when the game ended I wanted to talk with \him (Starc), and asked for some of his time which he agreed to and I inquired what kind of fitness levels he maintains before a series and how he prepares himself," Mahmud concluded.