Bangladesh no longer a 'weak' team: Australian media

Against a star-studded and formidable Australia side, not many would have bet on Bangladesh in the Darwin Test. Having just lost the sole Test in Zimbabwe by an innings, and then being bowled out for 54 in the second innings against a third-string Australian side in the warm-up match on their return to Australia after 23 years, Bangladesh were hardly in the spotlight.

The series of injuries further pushed Bangladesh onto the back foot. Pace sensation Nahid Rana could have been a major attraction in the much-anticipated Test series against Australia, with Australian media repeatedly praising the Tigers' pacer. Unfortunately, he was ruled out just before the series began.

Nevertheless, Bangladesh were determined to earn their opponents' respect on the field. The Tigers were desperate to turn things around, looking to forget the painful memories of their last tour to Australia in 2003. As captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto said before the Test, the Bangladesh of 2003 no longer exists — they would play to win.

On the field, Bangladesh have already shaken their opponents with their performance. After a dream start in Darwin, Bangladesh are in the driving seat at the end of day two of the Test. Following Hasan Mahmud's six-wicket haul, Tanzid and Shanto shone with the bat. Tanzid struck the first century by a Bangladeshi batter against Australia on Australian soil. Additionally, Mominul and Shanto contributed with half-centuries to keep the run flow steady.

In response to Australia's first-innings total of 198, Bangladesh have taken a lead of over 150 runs. With six wickets in hand and 351 runs on the board, Bangladesh ended day two with a 153-run lead. The visitors will look to extend that lead further on day three.

Bangladesh's Hasan and Tanzid have drawn praise from Australian legends Adam Gilchrist and David Warner, while the Australian media has also highlighted Bangladesh's impressive fight.

Cricket Australia's official digital platform, cricket.com.au, stated in a report that Bangladesh have proven they are no 'toothless Tigers' by stunning Australia. They further said Bangladesh are no longer a 'small' team but a real threat.

Meanwhile, an analysis in the Sydney Morning Herald said Australia learned a Test batting lesson from a team that refuses to accept defeat. It said the team once considered a novice side that never got the chance to learn from its own mistakes or accepted defeat before it happened, has now taught Australia a real lesson in Test cricket.