Mitchell Starc claimed 6 for 12 to dismiss Bangladesh for just 64 on the opening day of the second Test in Mackay, but Australia's top-order struggles continued as they slumped to 165 for 8.
Key facts
- Bangladesh were bowled out for just 64 on day one of the second Test in Mackay.
- Mitchell Starc finished with figures of 6 for 12, taking five wickets before lunch.
- Australia reached 165 for 8 by the close, with their top-order woes continuing.
- Bangladesh's Shoriful Islam took 6 for 35 off 11 overs, his best-ever innings return.
- Shoriful had recovered from a side strain that kept him out of the first Test.
Australia’s fast bowler Mitchell Starc produced a devastating opening spell to spark a Bangladesh collapse on the first day of the second Test in Mackay, according to the Guardian. Starc took five wickets before lunch and finished the innings with figures of 6 for 12 as the tourists were dismissed for just 64.
The demolition set up what looked like a commanding position for the hosts, but Australia’s own batting problems soon came to the fore. By the close of play the home side had reached only 165 for 8, leaving the contest more finely balanced than Starc’s early heroics had suggested.
Bangladesh fought back through their left-arm speedster Shoriful Islam, who cut through Australia’s batting order to claim 6 for 35 off 11 overs. The Guardian reported it was his best-ever return in an innings.
Shoriful’s performance was made more notable by the fact he had recovered from a side strain that had kept him out of the first Test. His return added a potent bowling threat for the tourists and helped keep Australia’s lead in check.
The Guardian described it as an extraordinary opening day, with both left-arm quicks delivering standout spells. Starc’s six-wicket haul and Shoriful’s six-wicket reply left the two sides trading blows across a dramatic day of Test cricket.
Why it matters
Test cricket rarely sees both teams collapse in a single day, making this an unusually dramatic contest that could go either way. For Australia, the repeated top-order failures raise questions about their batting depth despite a dominant bowling display.
Frequently asked questions
What were Mitchell Starc's bowling figures?
Mitchell Starc finished with 6 for 12, taking five of his wickets before lunch, as Bangladesh were bowled out for 64.
How did Australia's batting perform on day one?
Australia's top-order woes continued, and they closed day one at 165 for 8 after Bangladesh's Shoriful Islam took 6 for 35.
Why is Shoriful Islam's performance significant?
Shoriful took 6 for 35 off 11 overs, his best-ever innings return, having recovered from a side strain that kept him out of the first Test.