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Dhaka test loss proves Steve Smith's team have failed to slay their subcontinent demons

Australia will slump to 6th in Test rankings if Bangladesh manage a clean sweep in the two match test series.

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Nobody is calling Bangladesh's victory against Australia in the Dhaka test an upset. This is a testament to how far the Bangla tigers have come as a test playing nation. Bangladesh have improved rapidly over the past 18 months and are particularly dangerous at home. But it also shows how poor Australia have been against subcontinent opponents on turning tracks.  

Australia have not won a Test series in the Indian subcontinent since beating Sri Lanka 1-0 in 2011. Since 2008, the Kangaroos have played 23 tests in Asia winning just two and losing 16. Their win loss ratio is a pathetic 0.087. They have lost the most number of Tests in Asia among non-Asian teams.   

Apart from the last tour of India where the Australian team put up a doughty performance and lost 1-2, they have struggled to find their feet in the subcontinent in recent times. It is no secret that Australians are not the best players of spin, but it can not be just that. Australia seem to have a psychological disadvantage whenever they visit the subcontinent. It is something one rarely sees in an Australian team. The impact of past failures is evident. 

Steve Smith’s men will slump to No. 6 in the Test rankings if Bangladesh manage to win the second test match as well. Such an outcome is not beyond the realms of possibility now. 

Australia had warmed up for the India tour by preparing doctored practice pitches in Dubai. Ahead of the Bangladesh tour, they carried out a week-long camp in tropical Darwin.

They employed Justin Langer's one-pad strategy in practice to counter Bangladesh's spin attack. So far it has not seemed to work.  

Australia can take heart from the performances of David Warner and Ashton Agar but there are too many negatives on the card right now. Australia need to improve in every department if they hope to save their reputation and avoid a series loss against once minnows Bangladesh. But most importantly they need to rediscover their self belief. 

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