Starc stars as 18 wickets fall on opening day in Mackay

Australia claimed a 101-run first-innings lead over Bangladesh on Saturday in the second Test in Mackay, with 18 wickets falling on the opening day after Mitchell Starc and Shoriful Islam produced a fast-bowling masterclass.

SYDNEY: Australia claimed a 101-run first-innings lead over Bangladesh on Saturday in the second Test in Mackay, with 18 wickets falling on the opening day after Mitchell Starc and Shoriful Islam produced a fast-bowling masterclass.

Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl, determined to bounce back from Australia’s nine-wicket defeat in the first Test in Darwin.

Australia skittled Bangladesh for just 64, with an irrepressible Starc leading the attack. The veteran left-armer claimed five wickets in 22 balls during the morning session and finished with remarkable figures of 6-12 from 10 overs.

Only a last-wicket partnership of 25 between Taijul Islam and Shoriful Islam helped Bangladesh avoid their lowest Test total of 43, recorded against the West Indies in 2018.

Australia also struggled with the bat, reaching 165-8 at stumps, with Darwin century-maker Cameron Green unbeaten on 51 alongside Nathan Lyon on 10.

“It was just getting our lengths a bit fuller, using the bouncer a bit more and holding onto our catches,” Starc said.

Josh Hazlewood had nothing but praise for his long-term bowling partner, calling him “phenomenal”.

“He just gets on a roll sometimes. Amazing to watch,” Hazlewood said.

Australia started strongly in reply but then lost three wickets for 19 runs.

Matt Renshaw, recalled for the first time since 2023 after opener Jake Weatherald was dropped following the Darwin Test, failed to repay the selectors’ faith. He was dismissed for eight after edging Taskin Ahmed to Tanzid Hasan at third slip.

Fellow opener Travis Head made 22 before being bowled by Shoriful, who then dismissed under-pressure Marnus Labuschagne for four.

Steve Smith looked set as he methodically compiled 42 before Shoriful struck again, trapping him lbw.

Alex Carey fell for five, holing out off Mehidy Hasan Miraz, before Shoriful dismissed Beau Webster lbw without scoring. Cummins followed two balls later, caught by wicketkeeper Litton Das.

“It’s what I did in practice, and I just wanted to do the same in the match,” Shoriful said.

Bangladesh had made a disastrous start earlier when Starc removed Shadman Islam with the first ball of the day.

It was the fourth time the veteran left-armer had taken a wicket with the opening delivery of a Test.

The 36-year-old then dismissed Bangladesh’s other opener Tanzid Hasan with the first ball of his second over, with Webster taking the catch at slip, before trapping captain Najmul Hossain Shanto lbw with his next delivery.

Bangladesh were left reeling at 3-9 and never recovered, with Starc continuing his devastating spell to put Australia firmly in control.

Shoriful, who missed the first Test because of injury, provided Bangladesh with a stunning response, claiming six wickets as Australia’s batting order also collapsed.

Australia will look to extend their advantage on the second day, while Bangladesh will hope to limit the deficit and prevent the hosts from taking control of the match.