Shanto Calls for More Aussie Tests as Bangladesh Reaches New Ranking High

Bangladesh’s ascent to sixth place in the ICC Test rankings has prompted captain Najmul Hossain Shanto to demand a more frequent Test calendar in Australia. The team’s rise was powered by a nine‑wicket win in the opening match of the series, which lifted them three slots up the table.

Although the follow‑up Test ended in a one‑innings loss by 51 runs, the overall rating points were sufficient for the historic jump. Shanto praised the achievement but admitted that a better performance in the second match would have been “even more rewarding.”

The new ranking puts Bangladesh ahead of Australia’s long‑standing partners West Indies, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and also ahead of the host nation in the official standings. Shanto highlighted the rarity of Bangladeshi tours to Australia – the last full Test series took place in 2003 – and urged the board to arrange regular visits.

He argued that recurring exposure would help players understand the speed, bounce and seam movement that characterize Australian wickets, improving their ability to adapt quickly. The scarcity of opportunities extends to limited‑overs cricket; Bangladesh last played an ODI in Australia in 2008 and has never competed in a T20I on Australian soil.

Shanto warned that without a steady flow of matches, many players remain unfamiliar with local conditions and bowling styles, making it harder to perform at their best. He appealed for a schedule that does not force the team to return after 20‑plus years, but rather offers a consistent platform for growth.

Bangladesh’s breakthrough win in Darwin, where they chased a modest target of 57 runs with nine wickets in hand, remains a highlight of their recent history. Fast bowler Hasan Mahmud’s nine‑wicket haul and all‑rounder Tanvir Haider’s near‑century were instrumental in that memorable victory.