Last Updated on 2 hours ago by Charbel Coorey
South Africa legend and former Bangladesh bowling coach Allan Donald was mighty impressed with the Tigers’ victory against Australia in Darwin.
In an interview for CricBlog, Donald said he is proud of how far the Bangladeshi bowlers have come in recent years, plus the value of County Cricket. Hasan Mahmud, who won player-of-the-match for his nine wickets, has benefitted from County experience where he took 12 wickets in two matches for Kent earlier this year.
Allan Donald interview: Bangladesh achieved one of the great away wins
Below is the audio and transcript of Donald’s reaction to Bangladesh’s historic victory.
On Bangladesh’s outstanding fightback after horror tour match where they were bowled out for 54…
Allan Donald: “Firstly it was to come back from the warm up game that they played against Australia or the President’s 11 [Cricket Australia XI] where they got bowled out for 54. Then to go into that Test match maybe with all those horrible flashbacks from getting bowled out for 54, I think, yeah, what a great comeback.
“What a great response by beating this Australian team. And there’s obviously a lot of knives being sharpened and if, you know, Australia thought that Bangladesh was just going to be there for the ride, they got absolutely humbled. They got a proper shoeing.
On Hasan Mahmud and the value of playing County Cricket…
Allan Donald: “It was a valiant performance. First of all, I mean, to bowl Australia out with Hasan Mahmud in such magnificent form. And then all the support came from Taskin and Ebadot and the spinners did their thing as they normally do.
“I’m so pleased for Hasan [Mahmud] because… it was a proper team performance and especially with the ball. First up, Hasan really impressed with Kent. I’m so happy for him that he’s getting out there.
“I mean, County Cricket is the greatest stepping stone for any fast bowler to go and discover yourself. And I know he’s got a bit to go and I know that Shoriful [Islam] is about to also join Kent.”
On how proud he is as Bangladesh’s former bowling coach….
Allan Donald: “Really proud. I know that Shaun Tait has had a lot to do with this as well, but how these kids have grown in the last five years is just incredible.
“And just the mindset that they’ve embraced, you know, the attitude of not taking a backward step of backing themselves, of getting in it and in the fight is great to see, it really is.”
On Bangladesh’s brilliance with the bat against Australia in Darwin…
Allan Donald: “With the bat, Bangladesh were brilliant, brilliant and aggressive, so it was just all in all a magnificent team performance that they can feel very proud of.
“And there’s just no question about it that Australia is going to come with an almighty comeback and then there would be some words for sure [within the Australian camp].
“It’s a wonderful team performance… you know, one of the great away wins. They’ve beaten Pakistan away, they’ve beaten Pakistan at home. They could win a series in Australia and create more history.
“So lots on the cards for the Bangladeshi team. Great to see, but they’re going to have to do it again against strong Australian team.”
