Bangladesh’s seam attack stole the spotlight on the opening day of the first Test, eclipsing the much‑talked‑about Australian "Big Four" as the home side were bowled out for 198 runs. The highlight of the innings was Hasan Mahmud’s career‑best figures of six wickets for 55 runs, a spell that set the tone for a memorable start to Bangladesh’s Australian tour.
After the early collapse, Bangladesh’s top order steadied the ship, reaching 96 for one at the close of play and trimming the Australian first‑innings deficit to 102 runs. The visitors, who suffered a heavy defeat to Zimbabwe in June – losing by an innings and 85 runs – have now begun their Australian campaign in spectacular fashion. This series marks Bangladesh’s first Test series in Australia since 2003, and the early results suggest they could be a genuine contender.
Australia are set to embark on a demanding schedule that will see them play at least twenty Test matches over the next twelve months, with tours planned to New Zealand, South Africa, India and the Ashes series in England, which kicks off at Trent Bridge on 18 June. In the wake of the disappointing start, Australian captain Steve Smith conceded that the performance was "not our best" and added, "There’s still a lot of cricket left to play.
It would have been nice to take a few more wickets, so we hope to start well tomorrow, pick up early breakthroughs and apply pressure." Mahmud was the star of the day for Bangladesh, delivering disciplined line and length that paid dividends in his sixth and seventh overs when he dismissed openers Jake Weatherald (23) and Travis Head (22). Australia had won the toss and begun their innings confidently, cruising to 45 runs without loss on a pitch that showed a hint of green. However, Mahmud’s precision quickly turned the tide. Alongside Mahmud, fellow pacemen Taskin Ahmed (2 for 55) and Ebadot Hossain (2 for 39) maintained relentless pressure throughout the first two sessions.
Their ability to exploit the early‑morning conditions kept the Australian batsmen on the back foot, leaving Steve Smith’s defiant 71 as the lone pillar of resistance. Smith, who struck seven fours and a six, eventually fell as the penultimate wicket, top‑edging a high catch to wicket‑keeper Litton Das after a brief skirmish with Mahmud.
The day began positively for the hosts when skipper Pat Cummins won the toss. Playing only his second Test in thirteen months, Cummins fielded his familiar frontline of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and veteran off‑spinner Nathan Lyon – a combination long revered in Australian cricket as the "Big Four." The atmosphere in Darwin was electric, with a partisan crowd cheering local hero Jake Weatherald. Unfortunately for the home side, Weatherald never found his rhythm and offered a simple catch to Mahmud, while Head was dismissed shortly thereafter, leaving Australia at 52 for two. Ebadot Hossain later claimed Marnus Labuschagne (1) with a catch taken by Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, and almost dismissed Smith early before a chance at third slip was missed.
By the end of the opening morning, Bangladesh had reduced Australia to 74 for four, with all‑rounder Cameron Green (13) falling just before lunch. After the break, Ebadot removed Alex Carey (19) and Taskin dismissed Beau Webster (12). Mahmud then dismissed both Pat Cummins (9) and Mitchell Starc (1) before wrapping up the innings in the 53rd over, taking the final wickets of Smith and Lyon. Despite fielding their first‑choice bowling unit, Australia managed only a single Bangladesh wicket, as Mominul Haque (35) and Tanzid Hasan (32) forged an unbeaten 60‑run partnership.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, speaking on Channel 7, reflected on the state of Australian cricket, noting that while the team has historically been successful, there are now "chinks in the armour." He criticized the selectors for not giving opportunities to younger talents like Campbell Kellaway and Ollie Peake, suggesting that debuting them against a formidable South African attack would be far more challenging. Bangladesh’s dominant start not only showcases their growing prowess in the longer format but also serves as a warning to the Australian side that the upcoming series will be fiercely contested. The visitors will look to build on their early momentum, while Australia must regroup quickly, fine‑tune their strategies, and perhaps reconsider their selection policies to restore confidence ahead of the grueling itinerary that lies ahead. The series promises to be a compelling narrative of emerging talent versus established legacy, with both teams eager to prove their mettle on the world stage.
As the sun sets over Darwin, cricket fans worldwide will be keenly watching how Bangladesh capitalises on this dream start and whether Australia can rediscover the form that has long defined their Test cricket heritage.