Starc’s 10-wicket haul levels series after Darwin shock

Australia responded to a historic opening defeat in Darwin with a decisive innings victory in Mackay, levelling the two-Test series at 1-1. The hosts wrapped up the match before tea on the second day, securing a win by an innings and 51 runs after Bangladesh were dismissed for 64 and 95.

Mitchell Starc was the central figure in the Australian bowling attack, claiming 10 wickets for 51 runs across the match. His performance included figures of 6-12 in the first innings and 4-39 in the second, finishing the series with 12 wickets at an average of 12.08. Starc’s match haul moved him to 10th on the all-time leading Test wicket-takers list with 445 dismissals.

Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon provided crucial support, taking 3-10 and 3-25 respectively in Bangladesh’s second innings. Lyon captured the key wicket of Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto before dismissing the final two batters in three balls to conclude the match.

Australia’s batting performance offered less comfort, as they were bowled out for 210 in their only innings. Cameron Green scored the sole half-century with 67 runs, while Steve Smith and Nathan Lyon contributed 42 and 32 not out respectively. The team had been reduced to 165-8 overnight before the final collapse.

For Bangladesh, the defeat was compounded by a second-innings collapse that saw them slump to 39-3 by lunch. Their recalled left-arm paceman Shoriful Islam took 7-48 in Australia’s first innings, marking the best innings haul by a Bangladesh bowler in an away Test.

The series result leaves Australia with a mixed record before their upcoming three-Test tour to South Africa, starting in October. While the bowling performance in Mackay was emphatic, the batting output may do little to ease concerns ahead of facing reigning World Test Championship winners.