Australia began the second and final Test in Mackay with a spectacular bowling display, dismissing Bangladesh for a meagre 64 runs before their own batting line‑up stumbled to 165 for 8. The dramatic 18‑wicket day followed a surprising nine‑wicket loss in the opening match at Darwin, prompting the hosts to respond emphatically.
After winning the toss, Australia’s pace spearhead Mitchell Starc ripped through the Bangladeshi top order, claiming six wickets for just 12 runs. His early burst reduced Bangladesh to 12 for 5, as Shadman Islam was caught behind on the very first ball.
Starc’s relentless spell continued, removing Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Litton Das without scoring, before finally dismissing Mominul Haque for nine. In just 22 deliveries Starc completed a five‑wicket haul, a performance that set the tone for the day. Bangladesh’s innings folded at 64 all out after 34 overs, with Starc (6‑12), Pat Cummins (3‑25) and Josh Hazlewood (1‑18) sharing the wickets, while Bangladesh’s own paceman Shoriful Islam managed to claim a solitary wicket for 14 runs. The early collapse left Australia with a substantial advantage heading into their first batting effort.
When Australia took to the crease, the top order quickly found themselves under pressure. After Starc claimed his sixth wicket by trapping Shoriful Islam—Bangladesh’s top scorer with 14 runs—Australia slipped to 41 for 3. Recalled opener Matt Renshaw fell for eight and Marnus Labuschagne, who has struggled for form, was dismissed for four, both falling in single‑figure scores. Travis Head also fell, bowled by Shoriful for 22, adding to the early setbacks.
The innings steadied when the middle order duo of Cameron Green and Steve Smith built a resilient partnership. Green, unbeaten on 51, and Smith, who contributed 42, combined for a 77‑run stand off 112 balls. Their resistance temporarily halted Bangladesh’s momentum, but Smith’s eventual lbw dismissal by Shoriful—who matched Starc’s six‑wicket haul for the day—triggered another collapse.
Australia lost five wickets for just 30 runs, leaving them at 165 for 8 after 40 overs. Nathan Lyon managed to add a modest ten runs before stumps, providing a brief glimmer of stability.
The lower order offered little resistance on day one. Alex Carey added five runs, while Beau Webster, captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc contributed a combined six runs. Shoriful Islam, the left‑arm quick for Bangladesh, produced a maiden Test five‑for, removing Webster and Cummins in the same over before dismissing Starc with a well‑timed delivery. His figures of six for 35 underscored his dominance throughout the day.
At the close of play, Australia held a 101‑run lead, but the innings exposed lingering batting frailties. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponti ng voiced concerns about Labuschagne’s prolonged drought, noting that the batsman has gone 43 Test innings without a century. Ponting suggested that the selectors may need to consider a change, emphasizing Labuschagne’s technical shortcomings and his inability to score effectively off the back foot—a crucial skill in Test cricket. Overall, the opening day of the Mackay Test was a roller‑coaster of extremes: a devastating bowling performance by Starc and Shoriful, contrasted with a faltering Australian batting line‑up that failed to capitalize fully on the early advantage.
The match now pivots to Bangladesh’s second innings, where they will aim to recover from the early collapse, while Australia must address their batting inconsistencies if they hope to secure a series‑winning result. Key statistics from the day: - Bangladesh 64 all out (34 overs): Mitchell Starc 6‑12, Pat Cummins 3‑25, Josh Hazlewood 1‑18; Shoriful Islam 1‑14.
- Australia 165‑8 (40 overs): Cameron Green 51* (not out), Steve Smith 42; Shoriful Islam 6‑35, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 1‑4, Taskin Ahmed 1‑41. - Notable partnerships: Green‑Smith 77 runs for the fifth wicket. - Milestones: Mitchell Starc’s six‑wicket haul in 22 balls; Shoriful Islam’s maiden Test five‑for; Cameron Green’s unbeaten half‑century. The day’s events set the stage for a compelling second day, with Australia looking to extend their lead and Bangladesh hoping to rebuild from a precarious position.
The performances of Starc and Shoriful will be remembered as the highlights, while the Australian batting line‑up will be under scrutiny as the series progresses.