DARWIN: Bangladesh produced a stunning bowling display to bowl Australia out for just 198 in their first innings on the opening day of the first Test in Darwin on Thursday.
Australia’s decision to bat first backfired as Bangladesh’s pace attack repeatedly broke through the hosts’ batting line-up, leaving them struggling at 74 for four by lunch.
The visitors maintained the pressure after the interval, reducing Australia to 183 for eight at tea.
Hasan Mahmud led Bangladesh’s attack with an outstanding six-wicket haul, finishing with 6-55. He removed Travis Head for 22 before later claiming the key wicket of Steve Smith, who provided Australia’s strongest resistance.
Smith fought hard for his 71, but received little sustained support as wickets continued to fall around him. His dismissal left Australia nine wickets down for 189 and Bangladesh firmly in control.
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Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed for just one, while Cameron Green managed 13. Beau Webster also fell cheaply as Bangladesh capitalised on movement from the Darwin surface and Australia’s inability to build meaningful partnerships.
The final Australian pair managed to push the total close to 200 before the innings ended at 198, the score shown in the latest match update.
The performance represents a remarkable start for Bangladesh, who entered the match as heavy underdogs and without a full-strength pace attack.
The Test also marks Bangladesh’s return to the longest format on Australian soil for the first time since 2003.
Having restricted Australia to a modest first-innings total after the hosts chose to bat, Bangladesh now have an opportunity to strengthen their position with the bat and put further pressure on the home side.
