Darwin, 14 August 2026:
Tanzid Hasan described his maiden Test century as “very special” after the opener produced a patient 101 to put Bangladesh in a commanding position against Australia on the second day of the first Test at Marrara Stadium on Friday.
Playing only his second Test, Tanzid reached three figures for the first time in the format as Bangladesh closed on 351-6, taking a 153-run first-innings lead after dismissing Australia for 198 on the opening day.
Tanzid, who began the day unbeaten on 32, faced 197 balls for his 101, hitting eight fours and a six. He reached his half-century from 102 deliveries before bringing up his hundred from 188 balls.
“Alhamdulillah, we had a good day,” Tanzid said. “It is very special for me. I can’t describe it in words. To get a century in my second Test, and to do it in Australia, is special.”
The century was particularly significant for Tanzid, coming in his first Test appearance against Australia and his first Test innings on Australian soil.
“I want to dedicate this century to my parents,” he said.
Bangladesh resumed on 96-1 and entered the second day determined to negotiate the opening session without taking unnecessary risks against Australia’s experienced attack.
“Our plan was about how we could finish the first session,” Tanzid said. “They bowled very well, and we decided not to do anything extra.”
Tanzid and Mominul Haque extended their second-wicket partnership to 102 before Josh Hazlewood removed Mominul for 49. Tanzid then added 93 with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for the third wicket as Bangladesh moved past Australia’s first-innings total and steadily built its lead.
Tanzid said facing Australia required discipline, particularly when scoring opportunities were limited.
“They are the No. 1 team, so they will definitely give you a tough time,” he said. “I think it was difficult to play against them, but we tried to minimize our shots, rotate the strike and build partnerships.
“They didn’t give me much room. They bowled in a tight line, so I tried to play with patience and bat for as long as possible.”
Tanzid said he did not make major changes to the attacking approach that has characterised his batting in limited-overs cricket, instead trying to adapt it to the demands of Test cricket.
“When I was not in the Test team, I was thinking about how I would play,” he said. “I thought I would play the way I normally bat in ODIs. I came here with the same mindset and tried to play on the merit of the ball.”
Tanzid reached his century shortly before the second drinks break but was dismissed soon afterward when Nathan Lyon had him caught by Mitchell Starc for 101.
Tanzid said conditions remained favorable for batting, although the older ball had presented different challenges during his innings.
“The wicket was good with the new ball, but when the ball got old, it became tricky,” Tanzid said. “It was the beauty of Test cricket. I felt that today.”
With three days remaining, Tanzid said Bangladesh would not look too far ahead and would instead concentrate on adding as many runs as possible to its first-innings advantage.
“The more we bat, the better it is for our team,” he said. “The more runs we can get, the easier it will be for us. We have three days left.”
Tanzid also credited Bangladesh’s preparation after arriving in Australia at the start of August, saying the training sessions and practice match had helped the players adjust to local conditions.
“It was great preparation for us,” he said. “We came here on the first of August, had a couple of practice sessions and also played a practice match. That helped us a lot. I love playing in these conditions.”
Bangladesh will resume the third day on 351-6, with Miraz and Hasan at the crease and a 153-run lead already secured.
