In a stunning display of pace bowling, Bangladesh seized early control of the first Test against Australia in Darwin, outshining the much-heralded Australian bowling attack on the opening day. The visitors, playing their first Test match on Australian soil since 2003, bundled out the hosts for a mere 198 runs, thanks largely to a career-defining performance from Hasan Mahmud. The young pacer ripped through the Australian batting lineup, claiming an exceptional 6 wickets for just 55 runs.
Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling effort saw Taskin Ahmed contribute with 2 wickets for 55 runs, while Ebadot Hossain also chipped in with 2 wickets for 39 runs. Their consistent line and length kept the Australian batsmen under immense pressure throughout the first two sessions of play. While Australia initially won the toss and managed a steady start, reaching 45 without loss, the momentum quickly shifted with Hasan Mahmud’s impactful spells. He struck in quick succession, dismissing openers Jake Weatherald for 23 and Travis Head for 22, effectively derailing Australia’s early progress.
Steve Smith emerged as the lone beacon of resistance for Australia, crafting a gritty 71 runs from 109 balls, embellished with seven fours and a six. However, even Smith eventually succumbed to Mahmud’s brilliance, top-edging a delivery to wicketkeeper Litton Das. The day had commenced with much anticipation surrounding the return of Australia’s formidable ‘Big Four’ bowling attack, comprising captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon. Yet, it was Bangladesh’s quicks who dominated the proceedings.
Weatherald, playing in front of his home crowd in Darwin, never quite found his rhythm and was caught after an aggressive swipe at Mahmud. Head’s dismissal was equally unfortunate for Australia, as he chopped a delivery from around the wicket onto his stumps. Ebadot Hossain then accounted for Marnus Labuschagne for a paltry one run, further deepening Australia’s woes. Despite an early dropped catch at third slip, Smith managed to navigate through the initial jitters. By lunch, Australia found themselves reeling at 74-4 after Cameron Green’s dismissal for 13. The post-lunch session brought no respite, with Ebadot removing Alex Carey for 19, followed by Taskin bowling Beau Webster for 12. Hasan Mahmud then completed his magnificent haul by dismissing Pat Cummins for nine and Mitchell Starc for one, before taking the crucial wickets of Smith and Lyon.
In stark contrast to Australia’s struggles, Bangladesh’s batsmen displayed commendable composure. By stumps, they had reached 96-1, significantly reducing their first-innings deficit to just 102 runs. Shadman Islam contributed 20 runs before being caught by Lyon off Starc’s bowling. However, Mominal Haque, unbeaten on 35, and Tanzid Hasan, also unbeaten on 32, forged a crucial 60-run partnership, further consolidating Bangladesh’s strong position.
Reflecting on the day’s play, Steve Smith attributed Australia’s sluggish start to their lack of recent Test cricket, noting that the team had not played a Test for eight months. He acknowledged the challenging batting conditions, describing the pitch as “tacky and seaming around a bit.” Smith also highlighted the unexpected change in the pitch’s characteristics on match day, remarking that it felt softer than it had appeared the previous day. This two-Test series in Australia’s Top End marks the beginning of an intense 12-month schedule for Australia, which includes 20 Tests and tours to cricketing powerhouses like South Africa, India, and England.
