DARWIN, Aug 14: Bangladesh seized the initiative against Australia on the opening day of the first Test in Darwin, producing a remarkable bowling performance to dismiss the hosts for 198 before closing the day at 96 for one.
Hasan Mahmud spearheaded the Bangladesh attack with career best figures of 6 for 55, exploiting the conditions to dismantle Australia’s batting order. His spell helped Bangladesh record a memorable performance against the world’s top-ranked Test side.
Steve Smith provided Australia’s main resistance with a fighting 71, but the experienced batter received limited support from the rest of the lineup. Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling prevented Australia from establishing a substantial first-innings total.
The visitors then made an assured start with the bat. After losing Shadman Islam for 20, Tanzid Hasan and Mominul Haque steadied the innings and guided Bangladesh to 96 for one at stumps.
Tanzid remained unbeaten on 35, while Mominul was not out on 32. Bangladesh therefore ended the day only 102 runs behind Australia and in a strong position to claim the first-innings advantage.
Mitchell Starc was Australia’s only successful bowler and reached another significant milestone by overtaking Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath as the highest wicket-taker among left-arm bowlers in Test history.
The result has placed Australia under considerable pressure heading into the second day, while Bangladesh will aim to convert its strong start into a sizeable lead.