Australia vs Bangladesh 2nd Test Preview & Tips – Australia to bounce back from first Test humiliation

By Site Editor

18 Aug 2026

Site Editor 18 Aug 2026

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Bangladesh lead the two-match series 1-0
Bangladesh have lost one of their last two Tests (W1)
Preview, stats & head to head

Australian batsman Steve Smith (Getty Images)

Australia vs Bangladesh 2nd Test Preview & Tips
Head To Head
Australia Form
Bangladesh Form

Australia vs Bangladesh 2nd Test Preview & Tips

Australia were left stunned by Bangladesh in their first Test clash as they slumped to a shocking nine-wicket loss.

Bangladesh will hope for a win in the second Test against Australia, but they know that they will return home having avoided defeat on a tour in which most sides are beaten.

Josh Hazlewood took 6/89 and 1/5 in the first Test
Australia have won seven of their last nine Tests (L2)

Head To Head

The pair have met three times before in the Test match format, with Bangladesh winning twice and Australia winning once.

Australia Form

Australia were given a real wakeup call in the opening Test against Bangladesh as they twice failed to make it to the 300-run mark despite seeing their opponents surge to a score of 426 in their first innings.

Steve Smith was the only batter to show real resilience in the first innings as he made 71 from 109. He followed this up with 44 from 88 in the second innings, while Cameron Green made 104 from 201. Despite the best efforts of the pair, Australia could only set Bangladesh a winning target of 57, which they knocked off with nine wickets to spare.

Positively for Australia, it feels like things can only get better from here. Their entire batting unit struggled with the afore-mentioned exceptions, while most of their bowlers struggled to really make the big impacts they were touted to.

The big concern has been their top three. Jake Weatherald is yet to convince in the Test game, making scored of 21, 34, 23 and 0 in 2026. Meanwhile, Travis Head made 22 and 17, while Marnus Labuschagne’s poor form (1 and 31) also continued. Head and Labuschagne will get another chance in the second Test, while the axe has fallen for Weatherald, with Matt Renshaw likely to replace him.

Josh Hazlewood did look good with the ball in the first innings as he took 6/89, and while I back him to star again, he will need help from the other strike bowlers.

Bangladesh Form

What a performance it was from Bangladesh in the first Test as they completely outplayed Australia with bat and ball. Despite being a side most had completely written off across the series, the tourists are now unable to lose this series.

Bowling the Aussies out for 198 in their first innings was made even more impressive as the touring side posted a score of 426 which was bolstered by Tanzid Hasan’s 101 from 197. In another showing of building on good sessions, Bangladesh then restricted Australia to 284 before they easily cruised to their total of 57 with nine wickets to spare.

The second Test will more than likely be more difficult for Bangladesh, but they should not let that stop them. The touring side put on full display how incisive they can be with the ball, while they also showcased their ability to deal with a world class bowling unit.

A series win still looks unlikely, but this is a major chance for Bangladesh to show that their win in the first Test was not a fluke.

Verdict

Australia v Bangladesh 2nd Test

While I back Josh Hazlewood to lead Australia to the win, I do not predict a simple match for the Aussies as they are made to work for a series draw.

Australia

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Josh Hazlewood

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