Post by : Rohit Dhiman

Australia reached 50 for three at tea on the opening day of the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay, Queensland, after the visitors were dismissed for just 64 runs in their first innings. The hosts were still 14 runs behind Bangladesh at the tea interval. Steve Smith was unbeaten on six, while Cameron Green was batting on one as Australia looked to take control of a match that had begun with a remarkable bowling performance from Mitchell Starc. The second Test has already produced an extraordinary start, with Bangladesh struggling to deal with Australia's pace attack on a lively pitch.

Mitchell Starc Produces a Stunning Spell

The biggest highlight of Bangladesh's innings was the outstanding performance of Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc. The left-arm pacer claimed six wickets for just 12 runs, including a remarkable five-wicket burst in only 22 balls. Starc made an immediate impact by taking a wicket with the very first delivery of the match. His exceptional spell reduced Bangladesh to 12 for five after just 6.4 overs, leaving the visitors under enormous pressure. The five-wicket haul was also one of the fastest in Test cricket. Starc completed it in 22 balls, ranking among the quickest five-wicket spells in the format.

Bangladesh's Top Order Falls Apart

Bangladesh's batting lineup struggled badly against Australia's fast bowlers. Shadman Islam was the first player dismissed when he edged a delivery into the gully, where Cameron Green completed the catch. Tanzid Hasan, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and wicketkeeper Litton Das also failed to score. All three were dismissed without opening their accounts, putting Bangladesh in an extremely difficult position during the early stages of the innings. Mominul Haque provided some resistance with nine runs before edging Starc to Green at gully. Mushfiqur Rahim scored five, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed 11 before being caught.

Cummins and Hazlewood Add More Pressure

Australia captain Pat Cummins also played an important role with the ball, finishing with three wickets for 25 runs. He removed Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taskin Ahmed. Josh Hazlewood claimed the remaining wicket of Hasan Mahmud, who made 10 runs. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out after lunch, with Starc returning to dismiss Shoriful Islam for 14.

Australia Lose Three Early Wickets

Despite Bangladesh's low total, Australia did not enjoy a completely comfortable start with the bat. Recalled opener Matt Renshaw was dismissed for eight after being caught in the slips off Taskin Ahmed. Starc then struck again for Bangladesh by dismissing Travis Head for 22 and Marnus Labuschagne for four. Shoriful's two quick wickets briefly brought Australia under pressure. Steve Smith and Cameron Green were at the crease at tea, with Australia needing only 15 more runs to move ahead of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Lead the Test Series

The second Test is particularly important for Australia because Bangladesh entered the match with a 1-0 series lead. Bangladesh won the opening Test in Darwin by nine wickets and are now looking to secure a historic series victory. Australia made one change to their playing XI, bringing Renshaw back into the side for his first Test appearance in more than three years. Jake Weatherald was left out. Bangladesh also made a single change, with Shoriful Islam returning after recovering from a hamstring injury. He replaced Ebadot Hossain.

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What Happens Next?

Australia will now look to erase Bangladesh's 14-run lead before attempting to build a strong advantage of their own. With the pitch offering assistance to fast bowlers, the remaining batting session could prove crucial. For Bangladesh, the priority will be to take Australia's remaining wickets quickly and prevent the hosts from establishing a significant first-innings lead. The second Test has already become a fascinating contest, with Mitchell Starc's six-wicket haul, Bangladesh's dramatic batting collapse and Australia's early wickets setting up an intriguing battle between the two teams.

What is Australia's score against Bangladesh?

Australia were 50 for three at tea on the opening day of the second Test.

How many runs did Bangladesh score?

Bangladesh were bowled out for 64 runs in their first innings.

Who took six wickets for Australia?

Mitchell Starc took six wickets for 12 runs.

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