Australia opened the second and final Test in Mackay with a spectacular bowling display, skittling Bangladesh for a meagre 64 runs before themselves stumbling to a modest 165 for 8 in the first innings. The dramatic opening day produced a total of 18 wickets, setting the tone for a match that promised high drama after the Australian side suffered a surprising nine‑wicket loss in the opening match in Darwin. Winning the toss, the hosts elected to bowl, and Mitchell Starc immediately made his presence felt. Within the very first over, Starc claimed Shadman Islam for a duck, catching him at gully.
He then proceeded to dismantle the Bangladeshi top order, removing Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Litton Das for zero, before finally dismissing Mominul Haque for nine runs. Starc’s relentless accuracy and pace produced a five‑wicket haul in just 22 deliveries, a feat that left the opposition reeling. Bangladesh’s innings folded at 64 all out after 34 overs, with Starc finishing with figures of six wickets for just 12 runs. He was supported by fellow pacemen Pat Cummins (3‑25) and Josh Hazlewood (1‑18), while Bangladesh’s own Shoriful Islam managed to claim 14 runs before being dismissed.
The early onslaught set the stage for a dominant Australian bowling performance that would be mirrored later in the day. When Australia took to the crease, the momentum shifted quickly.
Early wickets fell as Shoriful Islam, who had already taken a wicket in the first innings, claimed the top‑scorer Shoriful Islam for 14, then removed the recalled Matt Renshaw for eight and the struggling Marnus Labuschagne for four. Travis Head also fell, bowled for 22 by Shoriful, leaving Australia in a precarious 41 for 3. The innings was rescued by a resilient partnership between Cameron Green and Steve Smith.
Green, playing with a calm, unbeaten 51, and Smith, who contributed a solid 42, steadied the Australian side with a 77‑run stand off 112 balls. Their partnership provided a brief lull in the on‑field tension, but Smith’s eventual leg‑before‑wicket dismissal to Shoriful – who matched Starc’s six‑wicket haul for the day – triggered another collapse.
Australia lost five wickets for just 30 runs, and the lower order could add only a handful of runs before stumps. By the end of day one, Australia held a 101‑run lead, but the batting display raised concerns about the team’s ability to post a competitive total without relying heavily on the top order.
Nathan Lyon managed to finish the day unbeaten on 10, while Alex Carey, Beau Webster, captain Pat Cummins and even Starc himself contributed a combined six runs, underscoring the frailty of the middle and lower order. Shoriful Islam’s spell was a highlight of the day. After taking three wickets in the first innings, he returned to claim a maiden Test five‑for, finishing with figures of six for 35.
His ability to swing the ball both ways and extract bounce made him a constant threat, and he even dismissed Starc in the same over, showcasing his growing confidence on the international stage. The day’s action also sparked commentary off the field. Former Australian captain Ricky Pontian, speaking to Channel 7, praised the selectors for their efforts to revive Marnus Labuschagne’s form but argued that the player had lingered too long without a Test century. Ponting highlighted a technical shortfall, noting that Labuschagne struggled to score off the back foot, a crucial skill in the longer format.
"If you can't score off the back foot in Test cricket, then batting becomes hard," Ponting said, urging the board to consider alternative options. Looking ahead, Australia must address its batting vulnerabilities.
While the bowlers have demonstrated the capacity to dominate, the reliance on a few key batsmen to anchor the innings is a risk. The team will need to find a way to convert the early lead into a substantial total, ensuring that the bowlers have enough runs to defend. The performance of younger players like Cameron Green offers optimism, but the consistency of the middle order remains a work in progress.
In summary, day one of the Mackay Test delivered a roller‑coaster of emotions: a devastating 64‑run collapse for Bangladesh, a resilient but shaky 165‑8 reply from Australia, and a total of 18 wickets that set up a tantalising contest for the remaining days. The match will likely hinge on whether Australia can bolster its batting depth and whether Bangladesh can regroup after a demoralising start. The stage is set for a compelling conclusion to the series, with both sides eager to prove their mettle in the final phases of the game.