Australia unleashed a devastating spell on Bangladesh, bundling them out for a meagre 64 runs, only to see their own batting wobble and finish the first innings at 165 for 8. The dramatic swing of fortunes set the tone for an eventful opening day of the second and final Test in Mackay, a match that promised redemption for the hosts after a surprising nine‑wicket loss in the series‑opening encounter in Darwin. The day began with a decisive toss win for Australia, and the visitors immediately turned the spotlight onto their pace attack.
Mitchell Starc, fresh off a string of impressive performances, ripped through the Bangladeshi line‑up with ruthless efficiency. Within his first 22 balls, Starc had already claimed five wickets, a feat that saw him finish with astonishing figures of six for 12. His opening breakthrough came when Shadman Islam was caught at gully off the very first delivery of the match. Starc then proceeded to clean‑bowled Tanzid Hasan, trap Najmul Hossain Shanto lbw, and dismiss Litton Das, before finally removing Mominul Haque for nine runs.
By the time Bangladesh’s innings concluded, they had been skittled out in just 34 overs, a total that left the Australian camp buoyant and the Bangladeshi side reeling. Bangladesh’s batting collapse was further compounded by the support from the Australian pacemen.
Pat Cummins added three wickets for 25 runs, while Josh Hazlewood chipped in with a solitary wicket for 18. On the other side of the pitch, Bangladesh’s own fast bowler Shoriful Islam managed to claim 14 runs without taking a wicket, a modest return in a game dominated by the visitors’ firepower. With a massive lead on the board, Australia’s innings began under the weight of expectation. Early wickets fell like dominoes; Matt Renshaw, recalled for the match, was dismissed for eight, and Marnus Labuschagne, who has endured a prolonged drought of centuries across 43 Test innings, fell for four.
Travis Head also succumbed, bowled by Shoriful Islam for 22, leaving the hosts at a precarious 41 for 3. The partnership that rescued Australia was forged by the resilient duo of Cameron Green and Steve Smith. Green, displaying a calm and aggressive approach, compiled an unbeaten 51, while the experienced Smith contributed a solid 42 before being trapped lbw by Shoriful Islam – the same bowler who had already claimed six wickets that day. Their 77‑run stand, built from 112 deliveries, steadied the innings and gave Australia a platform to post a respectable total despite the earlier setbacks.
However, the momentum shifted once again when Smith’s dismissal triggered a mini‑collapse. Bangladesh’s left‑arm quick Shoriful Islam, who had already taken a six‑wicket haul, continued his on‑fire spell by removing Alex Carey for five, Beau Webster for a duck, and even the Australian captain Pat Cummins for a single run.
In the same over, Shoriful dismissed both Webster and Cummins, sealing his maiden Test five‑for and then astonishingly bowled Starc, the very bowler who had dominated Bangladesh’s batting. By the close of play, Australia had amassed 165 for 8 after 40 overs. Nathan Lyon, the veteran spinner, added a useful 10 not out, ensuring the innings concluded with a 101‑run lead heading into day two.
While the lead was comfortable, the day also highlighted lingering concerns about Australia’s batting depth and consistency. Former Australian captain Ricky Pontian, speaking to Channel 7, voiced his apprehensions about Labuschagne’s prolonged lean spell, noting that the batsman’s technical shortcomings and inability to score off the back foot were eroding his value to the side.
Ponting’s comments underscored a broader narrative: despite the dominance of the Australian bowlers, the team’s batting frailties could become a liability in the longer format. The need for a fresh approach, perhaps even a change in personnel, was evident. As the series progressed, the pressure would mount on Labuschagne and the other middle‑order batsmen to convert starts into substantial scores, especially with the series hanging in the balance.
The day’s action also offered a glimpse into Bangladesh’s resilience. Although they were bowled out for a paltry total, the Bangladeshi bowlers, particularly Shoriful Islam, demonstrated the capacity to trouble even the most seasoned Australian batsmen. His six‑wicket haul, including the prized wicket of Starc, suggested that the visitors would have to navigate a more challenging second innings if they hoped to seal the series.
In summary, the opening day at Mackay was a roller‑coaster of extremes: a crushing 64‑all out by Bangladesh, a commanding six‑for from Mitchell Starc, a gritty 51‑not‑out from Cameron Green, and a dramatic collapse that left Australia with a modest lead but lingering doubts about their batting robustness. The stage is now set for a compelling second day, where both teams will look to build on their strengths and address their weaknesses as the final Test of the series unfolds.