MACKAY: Mitchell Starc produced a devastating 10-wicket match haul as Australia crushed Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs in the second Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena on Sunday, levelling the two-match series 1-1.
#MitchellStarc is at it again on Day 2 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/LWc5YfdkSY
— Naveed Khan (@i_Naveediqbal) August 23, 2026
The veteran left-arm pacer finished with outstanding match figures of 10-51 from 20 overs as Bangladesh were bowled out for just 64 in their first innings and 95 in their second.
Starc’s performance proved decisive for Australia, who bounced back emphatically after suffering a shock nine-wicket defeat in the opening Test in Darwin.
Starc destroys Bangladesh batting
After Australia captain Pat Cummins elected to bowl first, Starc immediately put Bangladesh under pressure and produced a remarkable spell of pace, swing and seam movement.
Bangladesh collapsed to 39-9 before a last-wicket partnership between Taijul Islam and Shoriful Islam helped them reach 64 in 34 overs.
Starc claimed 6-12 from 10 overs, dismissing openers Shadman Islam and Tanzid Hasan as well as captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das.
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Four Bangladesh batters were dismissed without scoring as Australia took complete control of the contest.
Shoriful top-scored with 14, while Taijul and Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed 11 each. Hasan Mahmud added 10.
Cummins supported Starc with three wickets, while Josh Hazlewood claimed the remaining dismissal.
Australia secure commanding lead
Australia also encountered difficulties with the bat but managed to post 210, giving themselves a substantial first-innings advantage of 146 runs.
Cameron Green led the hosts’ batting effort with a determined 67 from 105 deliveries, striking 10 boundaries.
Steve Smith added 42 from 74 balls, while Nathan Lyon provided valuable lower-order resistance with an unbeaten 32 from 62 deliveries.
Shoriful delivered an exceptional bowling performance for Bangladesh, taking 7-48 from 15 overs as Australia lost wickets regularly.
Taskin Ahmed, Taijul and Mehidy claimed one wicket each, but Bangladesh’s low first-innings total meant Australia remained firmly in control.
Bangladesh needed a major batting recovery in their second innings to make Australia bat again, but Starc continued to dominate.
The visitors were dismissed for 95 in 38.3 overs, falling 51 runs short of forcing Australia into a second innings.
Shanto offered resistance with 31 from 46 deliveries, including six boundaries, while experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten on 29 from 80 balls.
Starc claimed 4-39 in the second innings to complete his 10-wicket match haul, finishing a memorable Test with figures of 10-51.
Cummins and Lyon also picked up wickets as Australia completed the victory inside a day and a half.
The emphatic result ensured Australia recovered from their defeat in Darwin and avoided a home series loss against Bangladesh.
For Bangladesh, Shoriful’s seven-wicket haul was a major individual achievement, but two batting collapses left the visitors unable to capitalise on their victory in the opening Test.
Nine-wicket victory
Starc ultimately proved the difference between the teams, producing one of his finest Test performances to help Australia finish the series level at 1-1.
