Sports Correspondent

Bangladesh have already made history by defeating Australia in Darwin. Playing a Test in Australia for the first time in 23 years, the Tigers secured a landmark victory over the hosts. Now, they have an even bigger milestone within reach.

The second and final Test of the two-match series will begin in Mackay on August 22. A victory there would give Bangladesh a rare 2-0 series sweep over Australia on their own soil.

Such an achievement has not been seen in Australian cricket for 139 years.

No One Has Done It Since 1887

Australia were last whitewashed at home in a Test series in 1887, when England defeated them 2-0 in a two-match Ashes series. Both matches were played in Sydney.

England won the first Test by 13 runs before securing a 71-run victory in the second. Since then, no visiting team has managed to sweep Australia in a multi-match Test series on Australian soil.

Since 1887, Australia have played 110 multi-match Test series at home without suffering a clean sweep.

Bangladesh therefore have an opportunity not only to win the series but also to become part of a 139-year-old piece of cricket history.

Remarkable Victory in Darwin

Before their victory in Darwin, Bangladesh had never won a Test in Australia. After a 23-year gap, they returned to Australia for a Test series and immediately ended that wait with a historic win.

Bangladesh had previously produced another major upset in 2024, defeating Pakistan 2-0 in a two-match Test series in Pakistan. Their current achievement against Australia, however, is being viewed as an even greater feat.

Australia remain one of the strongest sides in Test cricket, while their record at home has traditionally been formidable.

Australia's Home Record Over the Past Decade

Winning a multi-match Test series in Australia has been extremely difficult over the past decade. During this period, Australia have lost only two Test series at home, both against India.

In addition, Australia drew a two-match series 1-1 against the West Indies in 2024 after losing the Brisbane Test. West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph produced a remarkable performance in that match to lead his team to victory.

Bangladesh therefore face a difficult challenge in Mackay. But after their triumph in Darwin, the Tigers now have the confidence and momentum to chase an extraordinary achievement.

Bangladesh Cannot Lose the Series

Even if Australia win the second Test, Bangladesh's achievement will remain significant. Having already won the opening Test, Bangladesh lead the series 1-0. A draw in Mackay would be enough to secure their first Test series victory in Australia.

If Bangladesh win again, they will not only claim their first Test series win on Australian soil but also become the first team in 139 years to whitewash Australia in a multi-match Test series at home.

Mackay therefore offers Bangladesh more than another Test—it offers the Tigers a chance to rewrite a 139-year-old chapter of Australian cricket history.