Bangladesh Dominates First Day of Test Series Against Australia in Darwin

Bangladesh made a strong comeback in the first day of the Test match against Australia in Darwin, scoring 96 for 1 after bowling out the hosts for 198. This match marks Bangladesh’s return to Test cricket in Australia after 23 years, following a lackluster performance in their warm-up game where they were dismissed for just 54.

Leading the charge for Bangladesh was Hasan Mahmud, who achieved a career-best performance with figures of 6 for 55. He was supported by Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain, each claiming two wickets. This was only the second instance in Bangladesh’s Test history where their pace bowlers took all ten wickets in a single innings, a rarity especially in a series opener in Australia.

Shadman Islam was the only wicket to fall for Bangladesh as Tanzid Hasan and Mominul Haque forged a solid partnership, remaining unbeaten on 32 and 35 runs respectively. The pair navigated the Australian bowling attack impressively, building a 60-run stand and showing patience by leaving outside the off-stump deliveries.

Bangladesh’s bowlers set the tone early, as Mahmud and Taskin applied consistent pressure on Australia’s opening pair. They exploited seam-friendly conditions, with Mahmud enticing Jake Weatherald into an edge that resulted in the first wicket. The Australian batting lineup struggled, notably Marnus Labuschagne, who registered no runs off his 20 balls before falling to Ebadot’s delivery.

After a challenging first session, Australia managed to find some rhythm with a 55-run partnership between Steven Smith and Alex Carey for the fifth wicket. However, once that partnership was broken, Bangladesh regained control, taking wickets swiftly and skittling the Australian team out shortly after tea.

Starc claimed the sole Bangladesh wicket of the innings, dismissing Shadman Islam, and achieved a personal milestone by surpassing Rangana Herath’s record for most wickets by a left-arm bowler in Tests.

As Bangladesh began their innings, they faced some difficulties, with Starc unsettling them with a brisk opening spell. However, both Tanzid and Mominul were quick to find their footing, effectively maneuvering through the Australian attack.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn