First Day Sees 18 Wickets Fall, Australia Lead by 101 Runs

The first day of the second Test between hosts Australia and Bangladesh at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay was completely dominated by the bowlers. A total of 18 wickets fell between the two sides on the opening day as the pacers wreaked havoc. Bangladesh were bowled out for just 64 in their first innings after a destructive spell from Mitchell Starc. In reply, Australia also found themselves in trouble, losing eight wickets for 141 runs as Shariful Islam produced a brilliant spell. However, Australia finished the day on 165 for 8, securing a 101-run lead.

Having lost the toss and been sent in to bat, Bangladesh found themselves under immediate pressure from Australian left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc. Starc began the collapse by dismissing Shadman Islam with the very first ball of the innings. Bangladesh were reduced to serious trouble after losing five top-order batters for just 12 runs. Four of their top-order batters—Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and wicketkeeper Litton Das—returned to the pavilion without scoring.

At one stage, Bangladesh were 39 for 9 and staring at the prospect of being bowled out for their lowest total in Test history. However, a 25-run partnership between Taijul Islam, who remained unbeaten on 11, and Shariful Islam, who scored 14, helped Bangladesh reach 64 before being bowled out. It was Bangladesh’s lowest team total against Australia in Test cricket.

For Australia, Mitchell Starc claimed six wickets for just 12 runs in 10 overs, including six maidens. Captain Pat Cummins took three wickets for 25 runs, while Josh Hazlewood claimed one wicket.

Chasing Bangladesh’s total of 64, Australia also suffered an early setback. Matt Renshaw was dismissed for 8 by Taskin Ahmed. Bangladesh’s left-arm pacer Shariful Islam then took center stage, removing Travis Head for 22 and Marnus Labuschagne for 4 in quick succession to reduce Australia to 41 for 3.

Steve Smith, who scored 42, and Cameron Green, unbeaten on 51, then steadied the innings with an 85-run fourth-wicket partnership. However, Bangladesh came roaring back in the final session. After breaking the partnership by dismissing Smith, Shariful went on to remove Alex Carey for 5, Beau Webster for a duck and Mitchell Starc for 1. At the other end, Mehidy Hasan Miraz bowled Pat Cummins for a duck. Australia suddenly slipped from 139 for 4 to 141 for 8.

However, Cameron Green and Nathan Lyon ensured there were no further setbacks before the close of play. Green remained unbeaten on 51, while Lyon was not out on 10. For Bangladesh, Shariful Islam was the standout bowler, finishing with six wickets for 35 runs from 11 overs.