Australia seized the upper hand in the second Test against Bangladesh after a dramatic opening day in Mackay saw 18 wickets fall, with both Mitchell Starc and Shoriful Islam producing outstanding spells with the ball.
After winning the toss, Australia captain Pat Cummins opted to field, and his decision quickly paid off. The Australian fast bowlers tore through Bangladesh’s batting lineup, dismissing the visitors for just 64. Starc was virtually unplayable, claiming six wickets for 12 runs in a remarkable 10-over spell. He ripped through the top order with a devastating combination of swing and seam, taking five wickets from just 22 deliveries during the morning session.
Bangladesh avoided an even lower total thanks to a 25-run final-wicket stand between Taijul Islam, who remained unbeaten on 11, and Shoriful Islam, who contributed 14. Their effort helped Bangladesh surpass their lowest-ever Test total of 43, recorded against the West Indies in 2018.
Australia, however, also found batting difficult on a challenging pitch. By the close of play, they had slipped to 165 for eight, giving themselves a lead of 101 runs. Cameron Green, who scored a century in the opening Test in Darwin, once again provided resistance and was unbeaten on 51, with Nathan Lyon on 10.
Australia made a strong start in their reply before collapsing to 19 for three wickets. Matt Renshaw, recalled to the side for the first time since 2023 after Jake Weatherald was dropped following the Darwin Test, failed to make the most of his opportunity. He was dismissed for eight after edging Taskin Ahmed to Tanzid Hasan at third slip.
Travis Head followed soon after for 22, bowled by Shoriful Islam, who then produced another breakthrough by removing the struggling Marnus Labuschagne for four. Steve Smith appeared comfortable at the crease and patiently made 42 before Shoriful struck again, trapping him lbw with a fuller delivery.
Alex Carey added just five before he holed out off Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Shoriful then continued his remarkable spell, dismissing Beau Webster lbw without scoring before removing Pat Cummins two balls later, caught behind by Litton Das.
The Bangladesh paceman was not finished. He bowled Mitchell Starc for one, completing a stunning spell that kept Bangladesh firmly in contention. Shoriful, returning to the side after missing the first Test through injury, delivered a sensational response to Starc’s performance. He claimed a career-best six for 35 and kept Bangladesh in the contest after Australia’s batting collapse. With two days’ worth of drama packed into the opening day, the second Test remains finely poised despite Australia holding a slender lead.