Australia secure 101-run lead as 18 wickets fall on Day One of second Bangladesh Test
Mitchell Starc and Shoriful Islam starred in a fast-bowling display at Mackay, with Australia recovering from a first-Test defeat to take a commanding position in the series.
Australia have established a 101-run lead over Bangladesh on the first day of the second Test in Mackay, Queensland, after a dramatic session saw 18 wickets fall. The home side, seeking to bounce back from a shock nine-wicket loss in the first Test at Darwin, Northern Territory, relied on a dominant performance from their pace attack to control the opening day of the match.
Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first, but it was the bowling that defined the day. Mitchell Starc delivered a masterclass in swing and seam, dismissing Bangladesh for 64 with figures of 6-12 from 10 overs. The left-armer took five wickets in just 22 balls during the morning session, marking the fourth time he has claimed a wicket with the first ball of a Test match.
Bangladesh’s total of 64 surpassed their previous lowest Test score of 43, which was recorded against the West Indies in 2018. Only a last-wicket partnership of 25 between Taijul Islam and Shoriful Islam prevented an even lower total. Starc’s performance was his 19th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, further cementing his status as one of the game’s premier fast bowlers.
In reply, Australia were bowled out for 165-8, with Shoriful Islam returning career-best figures of 6-35. The left-arm spinner, who missed the first Test due to injury, dismantled the Australian batting line-up with a spell of consistent lengths and effective use of the bouncer. His wickets included Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc.
Cameron Green top-scored for Australia with 51 runs, providing the best resistance in a difficult innings. Nathan Lyon contributed 10, while Matt Renshaw, recalled for the first time since 2023 to replace opener Jake Weatherald, was dismissed for eight. Renshaw edged a delivery from Taskin Ahmed to Tanzid Hasan at third slip, ending a brief return to the national side.
The result leaves Australia in a strong position heading into the second day, having converted their early advantage into a substantial lead. The match continues in Mackay, with both sides looking to capitalise on the momentum generated by the high number of wickets that fell on the first day.
