Bangladesh made a powerful statement on their return to Australian Test cricket after a 23-year hiatus, dominating the opening day of the match in Darwin. Spearheaded by a career-best bowling performance from Hasan Mahmud, the visitors restricted Australia to 198 all out after the hosts elected to bat first. By the close of play, Bangladesh had reached 96 for 1, trailing by 102 runs with Mominul Haque and Tanzid Tamim firmly entrenched at the crease.
Australia’s innings began with a steady 45-run partnership between Travis Head and Jake Weatherald. However, the momentum shifted when Weatherald edged a delivery outside off-stump to the wicketkeeper. Mahmud then struck by bowling Head with a sharp nip-backer. The collapse continued as Marnus Labuschagne poked at a wide ball and Cameron Green lost his composure while attempting a flick, resulting in a simple catch at mid-wicket. By the end of the opening session, Australia had slumped to 74 for 4.
The second session saw Steve Smith and Alex Carey attempt to stabilize the innings with a period of controlled batting. Their resistance was broken following the drinks break when Ebadot Hossain bowled Carey with a delivery that nipped back. Despite the loss of wickets, the Australian lower order attempted to play aggressively, but this approach proved costly. Beau Webster was dismissed by Taskin Ahmed, while Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc both fell while chasing deliveries outside the off-stump.
Throughout the innings, Steve Smith remained the anchor for the Australian side. Despite being dropped twice—once while on 2—Smith battled to 71, providing the only real resistance against the disciplined Bangladeshi attack. His innings eventually ended when he attempted to charge down the pitch to Mahmud, resulting in a top-edged cut that was easily caught by the wicketkeeper. Mahmud soon claimed his sixth wicket to wrap up the Australian innings.
In response, the Australian pace attack struggled to maintain consistent lines and lengths, allowing the Bangladeshi openers to settle in early. Mitchell Starc eventually broke through by inducing an edge from Shadman Islam, which was caught by Nathan Lyon. This proved to be Australia’s only success of the day, as Mominul Haque and Tanzid Tamim navigated the remainder of the session with patience and discipline.
At stumps, the unbeaten 60-run partnership between Mominul Haque (35*) and Tanzid Tamim (32*) left Bangladesh in a commanding position. The brief scores for the day stand at Australia 198, led by Smith’s 71, with Mahmud finishing with figures of 6 for 55 and Ebadot Hossain claiming 2 for 39. Bangladesh ended the day at 96 for 1, trailing by 102 runs.
It took Bangladesh 23 years to earn the invite to play Test cricket again in Australia.
Courtesy Mahmud’s 6 for 555, Australia were bundled out for 198 after electing to bat.
Australia had made an assured start to their batting with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald putting on a 45-run stand in the morning session before the latter went chasing after a delivery outside off, only to get an edge
There was a bit of assistance for the pacers early on, and they were disciplined especially with their lengths.
But Australia’s collapse had more to do with some questionable shot selections than just good bowling.
There was still enough time for Australia to recover from there.
For most of the second session, they maintained the control without going on the defensive.
But the adventure brought about its own risks.
He was dropped in the slip cordon while batting on 2, and got another reprieve later, but marched along to 71, carrying Australia’s innings to the third session and offering the team total a semblance of respectability.
But he too departed rather uncharacteristically.
Tested by Mahmud’s back of the length deliveries – one that he bowled really well throughout the day – Smith went down the track to unsettle the bowler.
