Australia finished the opening day of the second Test against Bangladesh with a 101-run lead after an extraordinary 18 wickets fell in Mackay on Saturday.
Captain Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bowl. His decision quickly paid off as Australia’s fast bowlers tore through Bangladesh’s batting lineup. Mitchell Starc led the attack with a remarkable 6-12, while Shoriful Islam later produced a career-best 6-35.
Starc Destroys Bangladesh Batting
Bangladesh collapsed for just 64 runs in their first innings. Starc caused most of the damage during a stunning morning spell.
The left-arm quick claimed five wickets from only 22 balls. He eventually finished with six wickets from 10 overs.
Starc also made Test history. He became the first player to take a wicket with the first ball of a Test match on four occasions.
Bangladesh slipped to 3-9 after Starc dismissed Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. He then removed Mominul Haque and Litton Das as Bangladesh fell to 5-12.
However, Taijul Islam and Shoriful Islam added 25 runs for the final wicket. Their partnership helped Bangladesh avoid their lowest-ever Test total of 43.
Shoriful Leads Bangladesh Fightback
Australia started their reply confidently but soon lost control. The hosts reached 165-8 at stumps, giving them a 101-run first-innings lead.
Cameron Green remained unbeaten on 51 after making a century in the first Test. Nathan Lyon was with him on 10 at the close.
Shoriful delivered Bangladesh’s best performance with the ball. He claimed six wickets for 35 runs after missing the opening Test because of injury.
He removed Travis Head for 22 before dismissing Marnus Labuschagne for four. Later, he trapped Beau Webster lbw without scoring and dismissed Cummins two balls later.
Shoriful then bowled Starc for one. His six-wicket haul kept Bangladesh within reach despite their low first-innings total.
Smith Misses Half-Century
Steve Smith looked comfortable during his 42-run innings. However, Shoriful eventually trapped him in front with a fuller delivery.
Earlier, Australia had lost Matt Renshaw for eight. Renshaw returned to the Test side after Jake Weatherald lost his place following the first match in Darwin.
Australia also lost Alex Carey for five after Mehidy Hasan Miraz took the wicket.
Australia Look to Finish Strongly
Despite losing eight wickets, Australia ended the day in a strong position. Green’s unbeaten half-century gave the hosts valuable control after Bangladesh’s dramatic collapse.
Starc said Australia improved their bowling by pitching the ball fuller, using the bouncer effectively and holding their catches.
Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood praised Starc’s performance. He described his long-time bowling partner as “phenomenal” and said his ability to build momentum was impressive.
Australia lost the first Test in Darwin by nine wickets. Therefore, the hosts will hope their strong start in Mackay can help them level the series.
