Australia quickly recovered from the unexpected defeat they suffered in the opening Test against Bangladesh in Darwin, delivering a crushing innings victory in Mackay that leveled the two‑match series at one win apiece. The Australian bowlers were the main architects of the triumph, with Mitchell Starc leading the charge by taking four wickets for 39 runs in the second innings and finishing the match with a remarkable ten‑for‑51 haul. Bangladesh’s batting collapsed twice, failing to reach the century mark on both occasions.

In the second innings, Pat Cummins added three wickets for just ten runs, while off‑spinner Nathan Lyon contributed three for 25, ensuring Bangladesh were skittled for a meagre 95 runs in just 38.3 overs before the tea break on day two. The first innings had already seen Bangladesh dismissed for a paltry 64, with Starc producing an astonishing six‑for‑12, Cummins claiming three for 25 and Josh Hazlewood picking up a wicket for 18 runs.

Shoriful Islam was the lone Bangladeshi bowler to take a wicket, finishing with figures of 14 runs conceded. Australia’s response with the bat was modest but sufficient. They posted 210 runs in 52.3 overs, anchored by a solid 67 from Cameron Green, who had also recorded a century in the opening Test, and a supportive 42 from Steve Smith. Nathan Lyon contributed a quick‑fire 32 not out lower down the order.

Bangladesh’s bowlers managed a few breakthroughs: Shoriful Islam took seven wickets for 48 runs – the best innings figures by a Bangladeshi bowler on foreign soil – while Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam and Taskin Ahmed each added a wicket. Bangladesh’s second‑innings chase of 146 runs began poorly. They stumbled to 39 for three by lunch and then collapsed further in the middle session, ending the tea break at 95 for eight.

Najmul Hossain Shanto managed 31 runs, and Mushfiqur Rahim added an unbeaten 29, but the rest of the line‑up could not withstand the relentless Australian attack. Starc, who had already taken six for twelve in the first innings, claimed another four wickets, dismissing key batsmen including Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Litton Das and Taijul Islam.

Starc’s performance not only earned him the Player of the Match award but also propelled him up the all‑time Test wicket‑takers list, moving him into tenth place with 445 dismissals, just four behind Nathan Lyon. After the match, Starc reflected on the turnaround, noting that the team had not been at their best in Darwin but had delivered exactly the standard they expected in Mackay, especially with the ball and the helpful wicket conditions. Despite the emphatic victory, questions remain about Australia’s batting depth as they prepare for a three‑Test series against the reigning World Test Championship champions, South Africa, scheduled to begin in October.

The Australian top order managed only a single half‑century, and the reliance on a few key contributors could be a concern against a stronger opposition. Key statistics from the match: - Bangladesh 1st innings: 64 all out (34 overs) – Starc 6/12, Cummins 3/25, Hazlewood 1/18; Shoriful Islam 0/14. - 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*.

- Australia won by an innings and 51 runs. Starc’s dominance with the ball was complemented by Lyon’s strategic wickets, including the dismissal of Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for 31 and a rapid burst of three wickets in three balls after tea, sealing the match. Cummins’ economical spell further underlined the Australian bowlers’ superiority. The victory, while decisive, serves as a reminder that Australia must address their batting inconsistencies before facing South Africa.

Their ability to post competitive totals without relying heavily on individual centuries will be crucial. As the series moves forward, the Australian camp will likely focus on reinforcing the middle order, ensuring that the momentum from this win translates into sustained success on the upcoming tour.