Najmul Hossain Shanto believes Bangladesh’s historic Test victory over Australia in Darwin was the result of a change in mindset particularly among the pacers. 

Bangladesh beat Australia by nine wickets on Sunday to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, just days after being bowled out for 54 by a Cricket Australia XI in their warm-up match.

“Very happy, proud of myself and the way the boys played. We did a lot of hard work,” Shanto said after the win.

He pointed to the changing attitude toward fast bowling in Bangladesh’s Test cricket.

“That is the biggest change for Bangladesh in Test format,” he said. “Earlier, five years ago, pacers didn’t want to play Tests. But we have been playing lots of Test cricket and they are giving importance to Test format. They want to play, want to perform, want to be world-class.”

Bangladesh’s fast bowlers set up the victory. Hasan Mahmud took six wickets in Australia’s first innings of 198 and added three more in the second innings. Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain also played their part.

Hasan, named player of the match for his nine wickets, said Bangladesh focused on its plans rather than the result.

“Before the match, in the practice session, we were doing our best every second and believed in ourselves without thinking of the outcome,” he said. “We got some team plans with the coaches, watching videos, and that’s what we did at the ground.”

Australia captain Pat Cummins said the damage was done on the opening day.

“Probably that day one,” Cummins said when asked where the match was lost. “I thought our prep was spot on, no excuses. They played well. We had to find a way to bat longer and then we couldn’t penetrate with the ball.”

He credited Bangladesh for the way they played.

“They outplayed us in all facets, they were patient and disciplined,” Cummins said.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who scored 65 in Bangladesh’s first innings and took five wickets in Australia’s second, said belief was crucial.

“We had the belief,” he said. “Australia are a world-class team and have lots of good players. We knew if we beat them, it would be very good for our country.”

Bangladesh’s 426 was built around Tanzid Hasan’s maiden Test century, Shanto’s 84 and useful contributions from Mominul Haque and Mehidy. The lower order then added valuable runs to give Bangladesh a 228-run lead.

Australia were bowled out for 284 in their second innings, leaving Bangladesh a target of 57. Mominul and Shadman Islam completed the chase in 14.2 overs.

Shanto said Bangladesh would need the same discipline in the second Test in Mackay.

“We have to play five days of good cricket,” he said. “If we play session by session, if the lower order keeps chipping in, those are the things.”