Cummins stunned as Australia suffer shock defeat to Tigers

Pat Cummins looked stunned after Australia suffered a nine-wicket defeat to Bangladesh on Sunday in Darwin, a result that has raised serious concerns about the team's Test future.

Australia had won 11 of their previous 13 Tests, reached the last two World Test Championship finals and arrived at Marrara Stadium with a full-strength side. Yet they were comprehensively outplayed by Bangladesh, who had not played a Test in Australia for 23 years.

"They deserved the win," Cummins said. "They were a much better side than us this week. I thought they outplayed us in all facets, really. They were really patient. Just didn't really let us back in. Held onto their catches.”

Unlike Australia's narrow defeat to West Indies at the Gabba in 2024, this loss exposed weaknesses across the team. Bangladesh's disciplined bowling unsettled Australia's top order, while their patient batting placed Australia's ageing attack under sustained pressure. Australia also dropped five catches.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz outbowled Nathan Lyon, taking five wickets for 66, while Australia's batters managed just 482 runs across their two innings. Bangladesh, meanwhile, scored 426 in one innings against an attack boasting four bowlers with more than 300 Test wickets each.

Cameron Green's century eased some immediate pressure, but Marnus Labuschagne and Jake Weatherald will face scrutiny after failing to score more than 31 in the match.

Cummins acknowledged that Australia's batting unit is not functioning as expected.

“I think it's pretty clear it's not quite functioning as well as we'd like as a group,” he said. “It's one Test but it's also a little bit of a trend as well.”

Questions have also emerged over Australia's preparation and their understanding of Bangladesh, particularly after images showed Australian players playing golf while Bangladesh trained nearby.

Cummins defended the preparation, saying the team had spent around six weeks in Brisbane and had prepared well.

Australia now face pressure to respond in Mackay, with tough assignments against South Africa, New Zealand, India and England still ahead.