MACKAY: Australia’s Mitchell Starc produced a sensational bowling performance as Bangladesh were bowled out for just 64 on the opening day of the second Test in Mackay. Australia then lost three early wickets in their reply, reaching 50-3 at tea as Bangladesh mounted a fightback.
Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bowl, with the visitors looking to respond strongly after their unexpected nine-wicket defeat in the first Test in Darwin.
Starc was virtually unplayable during the opening session, claiming five wickets in just 22 balls as Bangladesh collapsed to 35-6 by lunch. The experienced left-arm quick eventually finished with outstanding figures of 6-12, while Cummins claimed 3-25.
Bangladesh made a disastrous start when Starc dismissed Shadman Islam with the first ball of the Test, with Cameron Green taking a sharp catch at gully. It was the fourth occasion Starc had taken a wicket with the first delivery of a Test, making him the first player to achieve the feat four times.
Starc struck again with the first ball of his second over, removing Tanzid Hasan, before trapping Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto lbw with his following delivery. Bangladesh were suddenly reduced to 3-9 in only the third over.
Bangladesh Collapse as Starc Claims Six Wickets
Starc continued his extraordinary spell by dismissing Mominul Haque, while Litton Das was later trapped lbw after a successful review. The dismissal gave Starc his fifth wicket and marked the 19th time he had taken five wickets in a Test innings.
Bangladesh’s experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim resisted for 41 balls before Cummins bowled him for five. After the interval, Cummins dismissed Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 11, with Green taking an excellent slip catch, before Josh Hazlewood removed Hasan Mahmud.
A late partnership between Taijul Islam and Shoriful Islam helped Bangladesh avoid their lowest-ever Test total of 43. The pair added 25 runs for the final wicket, but Starc eventually ended the innings by dismissing Shoriful.
Australia appeared comfortable at the beginning of their response but quickly lost three wickets for 19 runs. Matt Renshaw, recalled to the side for the first time since 2023, was dismissed for eight after edging Taskin Ahmed to Tanzid Hasan at third slip.
Travis Head followed for 22 after being bowled by Shoriful Islam, who had missed the opening Test through injury. The bowler then dismissed Marnus Labuschagne for four, increasing the pressure on Australia.
At tea, Steve Smith was unbeaten on six alongside Cameron Green, who was on one. Australia still held a significant advantage after restricting Bangladesh to their second-lowest Test total, but Bangladesh’s three quick wickets had given the hosts renewed hope of making a contest of the match.
