Hussey: Bangladesh Tests will be really challenging

A burgeoning sense of self-belief has powered Bangladesh's recent rise, with the host no longer intimidated by Australia, reports cricket.com.au. Steve Smith's side departed on Friday for a two-Test Qantas tour of Bangladesh that starts on August 27. It is already clear they will encounter a far more determined, resilient and talented outfit than the team that became trivia night fodder in 2006 when nightwatchman Jason Gillespie scored an unbeaten double century.

Welcome to Bangladesh, @CAComms pic.twitter.com/nBH0ZKnwUt

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) August 18, 2017

Bangladesh have recorded maiden Test wins over Sri Lanka and England during the past year. There have also been some impressive performances in the shorter formats, including a semi-final berth in the Champions Trophy. Mike Hussey, who shared a 320-run stand with Gillespie in the match that went down in folklore, believes Bangladesh will be a tricky proposition on turning tracks.

"It'll be a good series, a really challenging series for Australia. Bangladesh play their conditions well and they've improved a lot," Hussey said.

"They've got a lot more belief now. They have been challenging some of the best teams around the world. "If you believe you can compete and win, that's half the battle in international cricket. For many years I don't think they really had that belief. "And they've got players in their squad now who have been around for long periods of time, so they understand their own games a lot better."