Bangladesh’s seam attack stole the spotlight on the opening day of the first Test, eclipsing Australia’s famed "Big Four" as the home side were bundled out for 198 runs. Fast bowler Hasan Mahmud delivered a career‑best spell of 6 for 55, setting the tone for a memorable contest.
Following the Australian collapse, Bangladesh’s top order steadied the ship, reaching 96 for 1 at the close of play and trimming the first‑innings deficit to just 102 runs. The visitors, who suffered a heavy defeat to Zimbabwe in June – losing by an innings and 85 runs – entered Darwin with renewed confidence, marking the start of their first Test series in Australia since 2003. Australia is embarking on an ambitious schedule that will see them play at least 20 Test matches over the next twelve months, including tours of New Zealand, South Africa, India and the Ashes series in England, which kicks off at Trent Bridge on 18 June. After the opening day, captain Steve Smith conceded that the performance was "not our best" and added, "There’s still plenty of cricket to be played, obviously.
It would have been nice to have taken a few more wickets. So, hopefully we start well in the morning, pick up a few early ones and put pressure on." Mahmud was the catalyst for Bangladesh’s early dominance.
After Australia won the toss and posted a quick 45‑run opening partnership on a green‑tinged surface, Mahmud struck in his sixth and seventh overs, removing openers Jake Weatherald (23) and Travis Head (22). His disciplined line and length forced the hosts into a precarious position, and the pace trio of Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed (2‑55) and Ebadot Hossain (2‑39) continued to exploit the conditions throughout the first two sessions.
Australia’s innings was anchored by a defiant 71 from Smith, who managed seven fours and a six before falling as the penultimate wicket. Smith edged a delivery from Mahmud to wicket‑keeper Litton Das, ending a resilient but ultimately insufficient effort.
Pat Cummins, playing only his second Test in 13 months, won the toss and fielded his familiar frontline of Hazlewood, Starc and off‑spinner Nathan Lyon – the quartet often referred to as Australia’s "Big Four." Despite the familiar faces, the Australian batting line‑up struggled to find rhythm. Weatherald, a local favorite, never settled and offered a loose shot that Mahmud capitalised on, while Head was dismissed shortly after, leaving Australia at 52 for 2. Ebadot Hossain also made an impact, catching Marnus Labuschagne (1) off a sharp return from Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and threatening Smith before a third‑slip chance was dropped.
By the end of the morning, the hosts were reined in to 74 for 4, with all‑rounder Cameron Green (13) falling just before lunch. The post‑lunch session saw further damage. Ebadot dismissed Alex Carey (19) and Taskin removed Beau Webster (12). Mahmud continued his on‑fire spell, taking the wickets of Cummins (9) and Starc (1) before wrapping up the innings in 53 overs, also claiming Smith and Lyon.
In total, Mahmud’s figures of 6‑55 were the highlight of a day that left Australia questioning their preparation. Bangladesh, on the other hand, struggled to break through the Australian attack.
Only two wickets fell – Mominul Haque (35) and Tanzid Hasan (32) – as the pair forged an unbeaten 60‑run partnership, showing resilience against a still‑formidable bowling unit. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting weighed in on Channel 7, expressing concern about the current state of the national side.
He praised the team's historical success but noted "a couple of chinks in the armour" and questioned the selectors' reluctance to blood new talent. Ponting recalled his own push to introduce youngsters such as Campbell Kellaway and Ollie Peake after the previous season, lamenting that the opportunity was missed and suggesting that debuting them against the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen in South Africa would be far more challenging. The day’s events underscore a broader narrative: Bangladesh, once considered underdogs, are now capable of challenging the traditional powerhouses on their own turf. Their disciplined bowling, strategic use of swing and seam, and the ability to build partnerships under pressure signal a maturing side ready to compete at the highest level.
For Australia, the loss serves as a wake‑up call, highlighting the need to adapt quickly to varied conditions and to perhaps rethink squad rotation ahead of a packed international calendar. As the series progresses, both teams will look to adjust tactics. Bangladesh will aim to translate their early bowling success into more substantial batting totals, while Australia will seek to restore confidence in their top order and make better use of their seasoned pacers. The upcoming matches promise a compelling contest, with the added intrigue of how the Australian selectors respond to the criticism and whether fresh faces will finally get their chance on the world stage.
Fans can follow the rest of the three‑Test series, as well as upcoming fixtures like England versus Pakistan, via Sky Sports Cricket and the NOW streaming platform, which offers contract‑free access to live cricket and other sports.