Bangladesh have come a long way since their first tour of Australia 23 years ago, but beating Australia on home soil remains one of their biggest challenges.
When Bangladesh toured Australia in 2003, they were still a young Test team, having gained Test status only three years earlier. Former Australia batter David Hookes even suggested before that series that Australia could finish a Test against Bangladesh in a single day.
Much has changed since then. Bangladesh are now a more experienced and competitive Test side, with major wins under their belt, including a historic victory over New Zealand in New Zealand.
However, playing Australia in Australian conditions is a completely different challenge. As the teams prepare for the first Test of their two-match series in Darwin, much of the discussion has focused on whether Bangladesh can survive the full five days rather than whether they can actually win or draw the match.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was even asked whether the team was aware that people were talking more about how long the Test might last than about the result.
Shanto said the team was not worried about the outside noise, although he admitted they were aware of it and that it was uncomfortable.
For Bangladesh, this series is more than just another Test. It is a chance to show how far they have come—and whether they can finally compete with one of the world's strongest teams on its own turf.
