The Bangladesh Australia cricket Test match in Mackay produced an extraordinary opening day, with 18 wickets falling in the second Test on August 22. Australia reached 165 for eight at stumps after bowling Bangladesh out for 64, giving the hosts a lead of 101 runs in the two-match series.
Mitchell Starc was the main force behind Bangladesh’s collapse. The International Cricket Council reported that the left-arm fast bowler finished with six wickets for 12 runs from 10 overs, including six maidens. He removed five Bangladesh batters in his opening spell and helped Australia take control after Pat Cummins chose to field.
Bangladesh’s innings lasted 34 overs. The scorecard pressure began immediately, with Shadman Islam dismissed from the first delivery of the Test, according to the ICC report. Tanzid Hasan and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto also fell early, leaving the visitors unable to build a partnership on the Mackay surface.
Bangladesh responded with the ball through Shoriful Islam. Reuters reported that the left-arm seamer claimed six for 35 after returning to the side, cutting through Australia’s middle order and removing Mitchell Starc for his sixth wicket. His spell kept the hosts from turning the first innings into a much larger advantage.
Cameron Green provided Australia’s resistance with an unbeaten 51 at the close, while Nathan Lyon was not out on 10. Reuters reported that Australia’s top order continued to struggle even after the home side’s fast bowlers had created a strong platform. Steve Smith made 44 before Shoriful trapped him lbw, and Australia ended the day with only two wickets in hand.
The match is being played at Great Barrier Reef Arena from August 22 to 26, according to Cricket Australia. Bangladesh won the first Test in Darwin by nine wickets, so Australia’s 101-run first-innings advantage gives the second match an immediate contest between a strong home recovery and Bangladesh’s chance to keep the series level. The next innings will decide whether the Mackay pitch continues to favour fast bowlers or allows the teams to build a larger total.
