‘Biggest upset I can remember’: Australia legends stunned by Bangladesh’s Darwin heist

Bangladesh’s historic nine-wicket victory over Australia in Darwin has left some of Australia’s greatest cricketers questioning the team’s direction, with Mark Waugh calling it possibly the biggest upset he can remember in Australia.

Najmul Hossain Shanto’s side completed the chase of 57 in just 14.2 overs on Sunday, losing only one wicket to seal Bangladesh’s first international victory over Australia on Australian soil.

The defeat prompted strong reactions from Waugh, Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden, with the former Australia stars highlighting the significance of Bangladesh’s performance and calling for changes to the home side.

“This could possibly be the biggest upset I can remember in Australia,” Waugh said on Fox Cricket’s coverage.

“The West Indies beat Australia at the Gabba three or four years ago – that was an upset,” Waugh said, referring to the West Indies’ victory in Brisbane.

“But this one, given their best two bowlers, Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam, are not playing, the rankings, the Australian team back at full strength, it’s a big one, this one,” he added.

Waugh’s comments highlighted the scale of Bangladesh’s achievement, with the visitors overcoming Australia despite missing two of their leading fast bowlers, Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam.

The Bangladesh bowlers had reduced Australia to four wickets down at the end of the third day, before Cameron Green’s century helped the hosts set a target of only 57.

Bangladesh, however, made light work of the chase, completing one of their most significant victories in Test cricket and putting Australia’s batting and selection under scrutiny.

After the sub-par showing against Bangladesh, Ponting said Australia could no longer delay the process of rebuilding its batting order.

“I’m the last one who wants to make change. As a captain or as a player, I wanted to keep the group together,” Ponting told Channel 7 during the Lunch break on Day 4.

“But it has to get to a bad point before I start saying you ought to leave somebody out,” he said.

Ponting added that there had been enough evidence before the series to consider changes, including introducing a new opener or a batter at No. 3.

“And I think if they lose here, then I think that has to happen,” he said.

Hayden also called for changes, suggesting Australia consider recalling Sam Konstas and Matt Renshaw, while moving Travis Head down the batting order.

“Opening is not his best position. I think his best position is still at No. 5,” Hayden said.

“I don’t like Alex Carey coming out at No. 5. It just feels a little shaky and uncertain,” he added.

“And why are we in this position? Australian cricket is so strong. It doesn’t need to be in that position, in my opinion,” Hayden said.