Australia swiftly answered the surprise defeat they suffered in the opening Test against Bangladesh in Darwin by delivering a crushing innings victory in just two days at Mackay, thereby equalising the two‑match series at one win apiece. The Australian side, determined to restore its reputation, produced a display of relentless fast bowling and disciplined fielding that saw Bangladesh dismissed for less than a hundred runs for the second time in the match, and ultimately secured an innings-and-51-run triumph.
The day began with Bangladesh’s first innings crumbling under the ferocious spell of Mitchell Starc, who ripped through the top order to claim six wickets for a mere twelve runs in just a handful of overs. Starc’s lethal pace and swing left the Bangladeshi batsmen helpless, and he was quickly joined by fellow quick Pat Cummins, who added three wickets for ten runs, and the crafty left‑arm spinner Nathan Lyon, who contributed another three scalps. By the close of the first innings, Bangladesh had been bowled out for a paltry 64 runs in 34 overs, a total that underscored their vulnerability against high‑quality pace.
Australia’s reply was anchored by a solid 67 from Cameron Green, who continued his fine form from the first Test, and a supportive 42 from veteran Steve Smith. Nathan Lyon chipped in with a handy 32‑run knock, ensuring the hosts posted a respectable 210 runs before being dismissed in 52.3 overs. While the Australian batting line‑up did not produce a massive total, the 210 runs proved more than sufficient given the dramatic collapse of the opposition.
Bangladesh’s second innings began with a glimmer of hope, needing 146 runs to avoid the follow‑on. However, the early loss of three wickets by the lunch break – the score standing at 39 for three – set the tone for a rapid disintegration. The middle session saw the visitors lose further wickets at regular intervals, and by tea they were eight down for just 95 runs.
Starc, who had already dazzled with a six‑for‑12 spell in the first innings, continued his on‑fire performance by claiming four wickets for 39 runs in the second innings, while Cummins added three for ten and Lyon took another three for 25. Key dismissals included Shadman Islam caught behind for a single, Mominul Haque bowled for a duck, and wicket‑keeper Litton Das falling for a second consecutive duck. Even tail‑ender Taijul Islam could not escape, falling for 11 after a well‑timed delivery from Starc.
The final wicket partnership was broken swiftly after tea when Lyon removed the Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for 31 and then wrapped up the innings with two quick wickets in three balls, sealing the match for Australia. Starc’s match figures of 10 wickets for 51 runs not only earned him the Player of the Match award but also propelled him into the upper echelons of Test cricket history. With this performance, the 36‑year‑old moved into tenth place on the all‑time Test wicket‑takers list, trailing only a few spots behind his teammate Nathan Lyon. Reflecting on his achievement, Starc remarked, "Much better week.
We knew we weren't at our best in Darwin, but what we expected of ourselves this week is exactly what we delivered, especially with the ball and the conditions that helped us." Despite the emphatic win, questions linger regarding Australia’s batting depth as they prepare for an upcoming three‑Test series against the reigning World Test Championship champions, South Africa, later this year. While Green’s half‑century and Smith’s contribution were valuable, the overall batting performance was modest, prompting analysts to scrutinise the middle order’s ability to post competitive totals against top‑class opposition. The match also highlighted Bangladesh’s bowling prowess, particularly the left‑arm paceman Shoriful Islam, who claimed a career‑best 7‑48 in the first innings – the best figures by a Bangladeshi bowler on foreign soil.
His effort, however, was insufficient to offset the relentless Australian attack. In summary, Australia’s rapid two‑day victory at Mackay demonstrated their capacity to bounce back from adversity, showcasing a lethal combination of pace, spin, and fielding that overwhelmed Bangladesh.
The series now stands level at 1‑1, setting the stage for a decisive third Test that will determine which side claims the series trophy. The upcoming fixtures will also serve as a crucial barometer for Australia’s form ahead of their challenging South African tour, where both batting resilience and bowling potency will be tested against a world‑class side.