The second Test of the series at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay witnessed a stunning and ruthless turnaround from the Australian cricket team. Just days after Bangladesh scripted historic headlines by claiming their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil in Darwin, the hosts roared back into form, routing Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs inside a lightning-fast two days of play to level the two-match series 1–1.
A Day of Carnage and Starc’s Historic Spell
Winning the toss and electing to field first, Australian spearhead Mitchell Starc set the tone with a sensational piece of history. Starc dismissed Shadman Islam on the very first ball of the match—marking the fourth time in his illustrious career that he has taken a wicket with the game’s opening delivery, a record in Test cricket history.
Starc’s new-ball burst left Bangladesh reeling at 12/5 in the seventh over. Operating with lethal swing and hostility, Starc sliced through the top order, claiming a devastating five-wicket haul in just 22 deliveries. With support from Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Bangladesh were skittled out for a paltry 64 in 34 overs. Only a brief 25-run last-wicket resistance prevented lower-tier embarrassment, keeping them clear of their all-time lowest Test total.
Shoriful’s Fight and Australia’s Response
Faced with a fired-up opposition attack, Australia encountered resistance of their own when they came out to bat. Left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam delivered a career-best performance for Bangladesh on foreign soil, capturing an incredible 7 for 48 to bundle the hosts out for 210. Cameron Green offered the anchor for the Australian innings with a gritty, well-constructed 67 off 105 balls, giving the home team a vital 146-run first-innings lead.
Another Collapse Triggers Rapid Conclusion
Trailing by over a hundred runs, Bangladesh’s second innings mirrored their first. Starc struck early once again, removing Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque consecutively. Despite a fighting 31 from skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, the batting unit crumbled under sustained pressure from the Australian pace battery and spin wizard Nathan Lyon.
Bangladesh folded entirely for 95 in 38.3 overs. Mitchell Starc finished with phenomenal match figures of 10/51, earning well-deserved Player of the Match and Player of the Series accolades. Lyon wrapped up the tail quickly after tea on Day 2, bringing an abrupt end to a historic, action-packed series that finished 1-1 and tightened the race at the top of the World Test Championship standings.
