Australia Crush Bangladesh by an Innings to Level Test Series 1-1
Mitchell Starc's 10-wicket haul powers Australia to a commanding victory inside two days in Mackay.
MACKAY, Aug 23: Australia produced a dominant bowling performance to defeat Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs in the second Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, completing a remarkable turnaround after losing the opening match of the series.
The hosts wrapped up the contest on the second day after Bangladesh were dismissed for only 95 in their second innings. Australia had earlier been bowled out for 210, leaving Bangladesh with a difficult task on a pitch that offered considerable assistance to the pace attack.
Mitchell Starc was the standout performer, finishing with 10 wickets in the match. His devastating spell helped Australia dismantle the visitors’ batting order and earned him both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards.
Bangladesh had been dismissed for just 64 in their first innings after Starc ripped through the top order. Australia also experienced difficulties with the bat, but Cameron Green’s contribution helped establish a decisive advantage.
Bangladesh’s Shoriful Islam provided one of the few bright spots for the visitors, taking seven wickets during Australia’s innings. His performance offered Bangladesh hope of fighting back, but the team’s second-innings collapse ended the contest swiftly.
The result levelled the two-match series at 1-1 and gave Australia a much-needed response after their defeat in the opening Test.
Captain Pat Cummins praised his side’s improved performance, while Bangladesh skipper Nazmul Hossain Shanto highlighted the importance of playing more Test cricket against leading nations.
The series ended with both teams sharing the honours, while a specially created trophy, known as “The Floorboard”, was presented to mark the occasion.
