Starc’s 10-wicket blitz powers Australia to 51-run win over Bangladesh

MACKAY: Mitchell Starc produced a devastating fast-bowling masterclass as Australia stormed back from their first-Test shock to beat Bangladesh by 51 runs in the second Test in Mackay on Sunday, levelling the two-match series.

The Australian quick was virtually unstoppable, claiming 10 wickets for 51 runs in the match as Bangladesh’s batting collapsed twice inside two days. His performance transformed the contest after Bangladesh had stunned Australia with a nine-wicket victory in Darwin in the opening Test.

Starc finished the second innings with four wickets for 39 runs after destroying Bangladesh’s top order with six for just 12 in their first innings. His match figures of 10-51 marked the fourth time he has taken 10 wickets in a Test, putting him at the heart of Australia’s emphatic response.

Bangladesh began their second innings needing 147 runs to make Australia bat again. Instead, they quickly found themselves under intense pressure.

Shadman Islam lasted only three deliveries before edging a moving Starc delivery to Marnus Labuschagne. Mominul Haque followed with a second-ball dismissal, losing his off stump without offering a shot and handing Starc a hat-trick chance.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto survived the hat-trick ball and briefly attempted to steady the innings. He faced 46 deliveries before Nathan Lyon ended his resistance, with Shanto holing out to Starc at long-off for 31.

Starc returned to strike again, tempting Litton Das into a loose shot that was caught at third slip without scoring. Pat Cummins then added to Bangladesh’s misery, dismissing Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Mahmud.

Starc completed his 10-wicket haul when Taijul Islam was bowled for seven, while Lyon quickly cleaned up the tail.

Earlier, Australia had been bowled out for 210, giving them a 146-run first-innings lead. Cameron Green top-scored with 67, while Nathan Lyon remained unbeaten on 32 after helping Australia cross the 200 mark.

Bangladesh’s Shoriful Islam was the standout bowler for the visitors, taking seven wickets for 48 runs — the best figures by a Bangladeshi bowler in an away Test.

Australia’s victory completed a dramatic turnaround in the series. Bangladesh had arrived in Mackay full of confidence after their historic win in Darwin, but Starc and Australia’s bowling attack ensured there would be no repeat.

The result sets up a fascinating conclusion to the series, with Australia regaining momentum and Bangladesh left to regroup after a dramatic two-day collapse.