Australia rebounded from the stunning upset they suffered in the opening Test against Bangladesh in Darwin by delivering a dominant performance in Mackay, wrapping up an innings victory within just two days and leveling the two‑match series at one win each. The Australian bowlers were the driving force behind the triumph, with Mitchell Starc leading the charge by claiming four wickets for 39 runs in the second innings and finishing the match with impressive figures of 10 wickets for 51 runs. Bangladesh’s batting collapsed twice, as they were bowled out for under 100 on both occasions. In the second innings, Pat Cummins added three wickets for just ten runs, while veteran off‑spinner Nathan Lyon contributed three for 25, helping to dismiss Bangladesh for a paltry 95 runs in 38.3 overs before the tea break on day two.
The first innings had already seen Bangladesh skittled for 64 runs in 34 overs, with Starc producing a remarkable spell of six wickets for 12 runs, Cummins taking three for 25, and Josh Hazlewood chipping in with a wicket for 18 runs. Only Shoriful Islam managed to reach double figures with a modest 14 runs.
Australia’s reply in the first innings yielded 210 runs in 52.3 overs. Cameron Green top‑scored with a fluent 67, supported by Steve Smith’s solid 42 and Nathan Lyon’s useful 32 not out. Bangladesh’s bowlers managed to pick up a few wickets, with Shoriful Islam taking seven for 48 – the best innings figures by a Bangladeshi bowler on foreign soil – while Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam and Taskin Ahmed each claimed a wicket. The second innings saw Bangladesh falter again, bowled out for 95 runs.
Starc’s four‑wicket haul, Cummins’ three wickets, and Lyon’s three wickets dismantled the opposition. Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed 31 runs, and Mushfiqur Rahim added an unbeaten 29, but the total was insufficient. The combined effect of the two innings gave Australia an innings‑and‑51‑run victory.
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 what we expect of ourselves, especially with the ball and the helpful wicket conditions." His comments underscored the stark contrast between the opening loss and the emphatic win.
Despite the comprehensive win, questions linger about Australia’s batting depth as they prepare for a three‑Test series against the reigning World Test Championship holders, South Africa, slated to begin in October. While the bowlers have clearly demonstrated their potency, the reliance on a few key contributions – Green’s half‑century being the sole fifty in the first innings – suggests that the batting line‑up still needs to find consistency. The detailed scorecard reads as follows: - Bangladesh 1st innings: 64 all out (34 overs) – Starc 6/12, Cummins 3/25, Hazlewood 1/18; Shoriful Islam 14 runs.
- Australia 1st innings: 210 all out (52.3 overs) – Green 67, Smith 42, Lyon 32*; Shoriful Islam 7/48, Miraz 1/4, Taijul Islam 1/17, Taskin Ahmed 1/58. - Bangladesh 2nd innings: 95 all out (38.3 overs) – Starc 4/39, Cummins 3/10, Lyon 3/25; Shanto 31, Rahim 29*.
The match narrative highlighted Starc’s extraordinary spell of six for 12 in the first innings, which set the tone for the series. His relentless accuracy and ability to swing the ball both ways left the Bangladeshi top order helpless.
In the second innings, Starc continued his dominance, removing opener Shadman Islam for a single, then dispatching Mominul Haque for a duck in his second over. He also trapped wicket‑keeper Litton Das in the slips for another duck before finishing off tail‑ender Taijul Islam for 11. These performances propelled Starc up the all‑time Test wicket‑takers list, moving him into tenth place with 445 dismissals, just four behind his compatriot Nathan Lyon.
Starc humorously noted the rivalry, saying, "Nathan didn’t remind me that I’ve just stepped on the first rung of the ladder and he’s still up there looking down on me," a comment that reflected both camaraderie and competitive spirit within the Australian camp. Lyon, meanwhile, claimed the crucial wicket of Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for 31 and then wrapped up the match by taking two wickets in three balls immediately after the tea break, sealing the victory for Australia. Overall, the match showcased Australia’s bowling depth and resilience after an early setback, while also exposing lingering concerns about their batting consistency ahead of tougher challenges.
The series now stands tied, setting the stage for a decisive third Test that will determine which side claims the series outright.