Mitchell Starc claimed six wickets for 12 runs as Australia’s pace attack bowled Bangladesh out for just 64 in the second Test at Mackay.
MACKAY: Mitchell Starc produced a devastating six-wicket spell as Bangladesh collapsed for just 64 in the first innings of the second Test against Australia on Saturday, handing the hosts complete control at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.
Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first, with the decision immediately rewarded as Bangladesh’s batters struggled against the pace and movement generated by the hosts’ fast-bowling attack.
Starc was the standout performer, claiming six wickets for just 12 runs from 10 overs. His relentless spell dismantled Bangladesh’s top and middle order and left the visitors unable to build any meaningful partnership.
Captain Pat Cummins added three wickets, while Josh Hazlewood claimed the remaining wicket as Australia’s pace trio swept through the Bangladesh batting lineup.
Bangladesh offered little resistance throughout the innings. No specialist batter managed to make a substantial contribution, while No. 11 Shoriful Islam emerged as the team’s top scorer with 14 runs.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam each scored 11, but their efforts were insufficient to prevent Bangladesh from being bowled out for one of their lowest Test totals.
The dramatic collapse marked a sharp contrast with the opening match of the series in Darwin, where Bangladesh stunned Australia with a historic nine-wicket victory — their first Test win over Australia on Australian soil.
That result had given Bangladesh significant confidence and placed pressure on the hosts heading into the second Test. However, Australia’s fast bowlers responded emphatically, with Starc leading an attack that gave the visitors virtually no opportunity to settle.
Bangladesh now face a major challenge to recover from the first-innings setback and restrict Australia’s batting advantage. Australia, meanwhile, have made an ideal start in their attempt to level the series following their unexpected defeat in Darwin.
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