Skip to main content

Australia crumble on day one of first test as Bangladesh take advantage

Hasan Mahmud holds the ball aloft after taking 6-55
Hasan Mahmud holds the ball aloft after taking 6-55William WEST / AFP

Bangladesh savoured their first taste of test cricket in Australia ⁠in 23 years on Thursday as they skittled the world's top-ranked side for less than ‌200 and moved to stumps in command at 96 ‌for one on the first day of ‌the series-opener in Darwin.

Hasan Mahmud was the standout performer ‌on a famous day for Bangladesh pace ‌bowling, taking 6-55 at Marrara Oval to rout Pat Cummins's team for 198, their lowest innings total in ‌seven tests against the South Asian ⁠side.

Barring Steve Smith, ‌who top-scored with 71, it was a poor batting ​display by Australia, with under-pressure opener Jake Weatherald (23) squandering a start and all-rounder Cameron ​Green's 13-ball 13 set to deepen doubts about his place in the team.

"Yeah, not our best. ⁠Still plenty ​of cricket to be played, obviously," said Smith.

"It would have been nice to have taken a few more (wickets). So, hopefully we start well in the ‌morning, pick up a few early ones and put a pressure on."

Steve Smith survives a review before top scoring with 71
Steve Smith survives a review before top scoring with 71William WEST / AFP

By contrast, Bangladesh's top order batted with impressive resilience, foiling Australia's elite attack of Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon as the pitch flattened out under a baking sun in the afternoon.

Starc made the sole breakthrough, removing Shadman Islam for 20, ‌but opener Tanzid Hasan (32 not out) and number ​three Mominul Haque (35 not out) combined in ‌a 60-run partnership to see Bangladesh safely to stumps.

Starc's dismissal of Shadman, coaxing a leading edge that Lyon caught at cover point, made him the most prolific among left-arm bowlers ⁠with 434 wickets, ⁠moving past Sri ‌Lanka spinner Rangana Herath.

21+ | COMPETENT REGULATOR EEEP | RISK OF ADDICTION & LOSS OF PROPERTY | KETHEA HELPLINE: 210 9237777 | PLAY RESPONSIBLY & SAFELY |

Do you want to withdraw your consent to display betting ads?
Yes, change settings