Australia took a 101-run lead over Bangladesh on the opening day of the second Test in Mackay after a dramatic fast-bowling contest saw 18 wickets fall on Saturday.
Mitchell Starc and Shoriful Islam dominated the day. Both fast bowlers claimed six wickets as Australia finished on 165-8 after bowling Bangladesh out for 64.
The hosts are looking to bounce back after Bangladesh secured a shock nine-wicket win in the first Test at Darwin.
Starc Destroys Bangladesh With 6-12
Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and put Bangladesh into bat.
Starc immediately justified the decision. The left-arm pacer removed Shadman Islam with the first ball of the match.
The wicket marked the fourth time Starc had taken a wicket with the opening ball of a Test. As a result, he became the first bowler to achieve the feat four times.
He also claimed his fifth wicket in just 22 balls during the morning session.
Starc finished with remarkable figures of 6-12 from 10 overs as Bangladesh collapsed to 64.
Bangladesh Avoid Record-Low Total
Bangladesh came close to recording their lowest Test total.
However, a 25-run last-wicket partnership helped the visitors move past their previous lowest score of 43 against the West Indies in 2018.
Taijul Islam remained unbeaten on 11, while Shoriful added 14.
Starc eventually wrapped up the innings and claimed his 19th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
Shoriful Hits Back With Career-Best Figures
Bangladesh responded strongly with the ball after Australia’s innings began.
Shoriful, who missed the first Test because of injury, produced a career-best performance.
He dismissed Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
The fast bowler finished the day with 6-35 as Australia slipped to 165-8.
Australia Recover Through Cameron Green
Australia initially started well but then lost three wickets for 19 runs.
Matt Renshaw scored eight after returning to the side for the first time since 2023. Meanwhile, Travis Head made 22 before Shoriful bowled him.
Shoriful then dismissed Labuschagne for four.
Steve Smith made 42 but also fell to Shoriful. Alex Carey scored five, while Beau Webster and Cummins failed to score.
Cameron Green helped Australia recover from the collapse and remained unbeaten on 51 at stumps.
Nathan Lyon was unbeaten on 10 at the other end.
Australia Take a 101-Run Lead
Australia ended the day on 165-8, giving them a 101-run lead over Bangladesh.
With two wickets remaining, Australia will aim to extend that advantage on day two.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh will hope to quickly finish the Australian innings and give their batters a manageable target.
