Mitchell Starc unleashed a relentless spell of pace and swing, ripping through Bangladesh’s batting lineup with a sensational 6 for 12, as Australia sensationally bowled out the tourists for just 64 runs in 34 overs on the opening day of the second Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.
The left-arm quick’s devastating performance in Mackay on Saturday, August 22, 2026, left Bangladesh reeling at 12 for 5 at one-point and provided a resounding response for Australia after their surprising defeat in the first Test.
22 Balls, 5 Wickets!
Mitchell Starc’s Carnage Ignites Australian Comeback
Having lost the toss and been asked to bowl by Australian captain Pat Cummins, Starc wasted no time asserting his dominance, striking with the very first delivery of the match to dismiss opener Shadman Islam for a golden duck. This set the tone for a breathtaking morning session where Starc ripped through the top order, claiming a remarkable five-wicket haul in just 22 balls, a truly rapid performance. His victims included Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque, and Litton Das, with four of his first five dismissals being ducks.
By lunch, Bangladesh had already slumped to 35 for 6, a direct result of Starc’s fiery spell, which saw him walk off with figures of 5 for 11 from nine overs at the interval. The performance also saw Starc surpass legendary South African bowler Dale Steyn’s tally of 439 Test wickets, moving him to 440 career scalps.
Bangladesh Batters Flounder
Bangladesh’s innings never recovered from Starc’s initial assault. Despite a brief late rally, largely led by a gritty Shoriful Islam, who top-scored with 14 runs batting at number 11, and Taijul Islam (11 not out), the Tigers were eventually bundled out for 64. This total stands as Bangladesh’s third-lowest in Test cricket, though they managed to avoid their lowest Test score of 43, thanks to the 25-run last-wicket stand between Shoriful and Taijul.
Australia’s other pacers provided excellent support, with captain Pat Cummins securing 3 for 25 and Josh Hazlewood chipping in with 1 for 18. The pitch at the Great Barrier Reef Arena offered assistance with movement in the air and off the pitch early on, conditions Starc exploited to perfection with his 10 overs yielding six maidens.
Match Summary
| Team | Innings Score | Overs | Top Scorer | Best Bowler | Bowling Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 64 all out | 34 | Shoriful Islam (14) | Mitchell Starc (AUS) | 6/12 |
Key Performances
- Mitchell Starc (Australia): 6 wickets for 12 runs, including a wicket on the first ball of the innings. Passed Dale Steyn for Test wickets.
- Shoriful Islam (Bangladesh): Top-scored with 14 runs from the number 11 position.
This dominant display sets Australia up for a strong position as they look to level the two-Test series, with Bangladesh now facing an uphill battle to save the match after their opening day capitulation.