We want to play here consistently, not after 23 or 25 years - Najmul Hossain Shanto

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto admitted he was disappointed with his side's performance in the second and final Test against Australia in Mackay, but said regular exposure to conditions in Australia is essential if they are to learn how to compete consistently Down Under.

Australia humbled Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs inside two days in Mackay, following the visitors' historic Test win in Darwin in the series opener.

“It's disappointing, to be very honest. But I believe the toss is a big factor, especially in the first innings where batting was quite difficult. I believe all three innings were quite difficult, but no excuses; we didn't bat well. They have been bowling very well, so the challenge was there. I still feel there are some technical areas we need to improve going forward,” Najmul told reporters following their loss in the second Test at Mackay.

Bangladesh's second Test tour of Australia came 23 years after their previous one, and Najmul felt that lack of exposure made it difficult for his players to adapt to the conditions.

“We are here after 23 years [for Bangladesh's first Test tour of Australia since 2003]. It's not easy to compete in this condition against this quality of team. If we are able to come here consistently, then the players can get an idea of playing here. They will have more experience playing in Australia,” he said.

“They can adjust to this kind of condition and play good cricket. It's hard for the players. Probably 90% of the players haven't played here. They don't know how to adjust, how to cope with this kind of condition, and this kind of bowling attack. My request is that we want to play here. We want to play in similar conditions consistently, not after 23 or 25 years,” he said.

Despite the heavy defeat, Bangladesh moved up to No. 6 in the ICC Test rankings following their historic win in Darwin. The ICC rankings update saw them climb three places from No. 9, their highest-ever position in the Test rankings. They are also fourth in the nine-team World Test Championship standings.

Najmul described the rise as a "huge achievement" but admitted he would have preferred to celebrate it after a stronger performance in Mackay. "Of course [reaching No. 6] is good news. I am just hearing about it. To reach No 6 in the Test ranking is a huge achievement. It would have been better if we could have played better cricket in this Test match."

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