AUS vs BAN, 2nd Test, Day 1: Despite bowling Bangladesh out for a mere 64 on Day 1 of the second Test in MacKay, Australia failed to ram home the advantage completely.
The hosts suffered another batting collapse as they hang in with a lead of 101 heading into Day 2, with Cameron Green still batting on 51. Both Mitchell Starc and Shoriful Islam proved to be the chief tormentors, taking six wickets, with the latter still having an opportunity to add to his tally.
AUS vs BAN, 2nd Test, Day 1: Mitchell Starc turns demon as Pat Cummins’ toss decision proves right
With yet another green pitch in store, Australia won the toss for the second time in a row and Pat Cummins opted to bowl first. Starc struck with the first ball of the innings, sending Shadman Islam packing for a golden duck. Tanzid Hasan and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto became the left-arm speedster’s next two scalps in his second over as Bangladesh found themselves 9/3. It needed Starc only 22 deliveries to complete his fifer when he trapped Litton Das lbw.
Pat Cummins also chipped in with the scalps of Mushfiqur Rahim (5), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (11) and Taskin Ahmed (1). Starc completed his six-for when Shoriful Islam nicked one to Alex Carey behind the stumps as the tourists folded in 34 overs. Josh Hazlewood’s only scalp was Hasan Mahmud. However, it was Starc, who was the chief destroyer as led off the team with a scarcely believable figures of 10-6-12-6.
AUS vs BAN, 2nd Test, Day 1: Australia lose three wickets early in another top-order collapse
With Matt Renshaw replacing Jake Weatherald at the top, he couldn’t make much of a difference, perishing for 8. Shoriful Islam struck twice in his first over, sending back Travis Head (22) and Marnus Labuschagne (4) as the visitors had their tails up.
Steve Smith and Cameron Green batted proactively, pouncing on loose deliveries en route to their vital 50-run stand. But it was Islam yet again breaking the 77-run stand as Smith perished for 42 in a hugely unlucky lbw call. While Cameron Green held the fort well, the remaining Aussie batters barely showed the stomach to accompany as Islam proved unstoppable, taking a six-for by cleaning up Starc.
Australia somehow hung on to preserve two wickets as Nathan Lyon showcased some solid defensive tactic.