Mitchell Starc’s Masterclass: Australia Crushes Bangladesh to Level Test Series

MACKAY – Mitchell Starc delivered a clinical exhibition of fast bowling in northern Queensland, spearheading a dominant Australian victory that saw the hosts dismantle Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs inside just two days. The resounding win at Mackay levels the two-match series 1-1, providing a necessary morale boost for Australia following their shock defeat in the series opener in Darwin.

The victory was defined by the sheer brilliance of Starc, who finished with match figures of 10-51. After terrorizing the Bangladesh batting lineup with an opening-day haul of 6-12, Starc returned on Sunday to claim another four wickets, systematically dismantling any hope of a Bangladeshi resistance.

With this performance, the left-arm speedster achieved a historic milestone, moving to 10th on the all-time Test wicket-takers’ list. Starc now boasts 445 career scalps, officially surpassing South African icon Dale Steyn. It marks the fourth time in his illustrious career that Starc has taken 10 wickets in a single Test match.

A Difficult Pitch, A Determined Response

The match was played on a spicy, bowler-friendly surface that made run-scoring a challenge for both sides. Australia resumed their first innings at 165-8, eventually being bowled out for 210. While the batting lineup struggled against the pace of Shoriful Islam—who claimed a career-best 7-48, the finest figures by a Bangladeshi bowler away from home—Australia managed to secure a crucial 146-run first-innings lead. Cameron Green anchored the lower order with a gritty 67, while Nathan Lyon provided vital support with an unbeaten 32.

Bangladesh’s Second Innings Collapse

Facing a massive deficit, Bangladesh’s second innings quickly descended into another Mitchell Starc showcase. Starc dismissed Shadman Islam early, before cleaning up Mominul Haque with a delivery that clipped the off stump.

The misery continued for the visitors after lunch as Litton Das fell for a duck—marking a nightmare series for the wicketkeeper, who failed to score a single run across three innings. Starc completed his 10-wicket haul shortly before tea, bowling Taijul Islam to leave the Bangladesh lineup in tatters.

While captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (31) and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim (29 not out) attempted to provide some stability, the rest of the order failed to make an impression. Nathan Lyon polished off the tail shortly after the tea break, wrapping up the innings for 95 runs. Pat Cummins and Lyon shared the remaining wickets, capping a total team effort.

Looking Ahead

This series-levelling win serves as a vital opening chapter in a grueling 12-month schedule for the Australian side. With 20 Tests on the horizon—including high-stakes tours of South Africa, India, and England—Australia will look to carry the momentum from this dominant display into the remainder of their challenging international calendar.