Australia swiftly erased the sting of their unexpected opening defeat to Bangladesh in Darwin by delivering a crushing innings win in Mackay, thereby equalising the two‑match Test series at one win apiece. The Australian bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc, dismantled the Bangladeshi line‑up twice in a single day, restricting the visitors to sub‑100 totals on both occasions and forcing an innings‑and‑51‑run triumph for the hosts. Starc was the standout performer with the ball, claiming four wickets for 39 runs in the second innings and finishing the match with a remarkable ten‑for‑51.
His first‑innings spell was even more lethal, snaring six wickets for just twelve runs, a haul that propelled him past the legendary Nathan Lyon on the all‑time Test wicket‑takers list, moving him into tenth place with 445 dismissals. Pat Cummins provided valuable support, taking three for ten in the second innings, while off‑spinner Nathan Lyon chipped in with three for 25, rounding out a devastating Australian attack. Bangladesh’s batting collapsed dramatically in both innings. In the first innings they were bundled out for a paltry 64 runs in 34 overs, with Starc, Cummins and Josh Hazlewood sharing the spoils (6‑12, 3‑25 and 1‑18 respectively).
The lone resistance came from Shoriful Islam, who managed 14 runs before being dismissed. Australia, in reply, posted a modest 210 runs in 52.3 overs. Cameron Green top‑scored with 67, while Steve Smith contributed a steady 42 and Nathan Lyon added a useful 32 not out. Bangladesh’s bowlers, however, struggled to make inroads, with Shoriful Islam’s 7‑48 standing out as the best innings figures by a Bangladeshi bowler on foreign soil.
In the second innings, Bangladesh fared no better. They were skittled for 95 runs in 38.3 overs, again under the relentless pressure of Starc’s pace, Cummins’ accuracy and Lyon’s spin. Najmul Hossain Shanto offered a brief flicker of hope with 31 runs, and Mushfiqur Rahim added 29 not out, but the rest of the line‑up folded quickly, leaving the visitors 39‑3 at lunch and eventually 95‑8 by tea. The Australian bowlers exploited the helpful wicket conditions, which had aided Starc’s swing and seam in the first innings and continued to reward disciplined line and length in the second.
Starc, who was named Player of the Match, reflected on the turnaround: "Much better week. We knew we weren't at our best in Darwin, but this week we delivered exactly what we expect of ourselves, especially with the ball and the assistance the pitch gave us." His comments underscored the team’s determination to bounce back after the surprise loss, emphasizing the importance of seizing the momentum when the conditions are in their favour. Despite the emphatic win, questions linger regarding Australia’s batting depth ahead of their upcoming three‑Test series against the reigning World Test Championship champions, South Africa, scheduled to commence in October. While Green’s 67 was the only half‑century for the hosts, the overall total of 210 highlighted a reliance on a few key contributors and exposed potential frailties in the middle order.
The visitors will need to find greater consistency and resilience to compete against a South African side renowned for its disciplined bowling and aggressive batting. The match also featured several noteworthy individual performances. Shoriful Islam’s 7‑48 remains the best innings figures for a Bangladeshi bowler away from home, showcasing his potential as a genuine strike bowler despite the team's overall struggles. Meanwhile, Nathan Lyon’s dismissal of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for 31 and his subsequent double‑wicket burst after tea were pivotal in sealing the victory for Australia.
In summary, the Mackay Test was a showcase of Australian bowling prowess, with Starc’s historic ten‑wicket haul cementing his status as one of the game's premier left‑arm pacemen. The win levelled the series, setting the stage for a decisive third Test that will determine the overall outcome.
As the Australian side looks ahead to South Africa, they will aim to build on the confidence gained from this dominant performance while addressing the batting concerns that have surfaced throughout the series.