Mitchell Starc and Bangladesh left-armer Shoriful Islam produced devastating spells as an extraordinary opening day of the second Test in Mackay saw a total of 18 wickets fall on a surface that favoured pace bowlers. Australia were bowled out for 64 in their first innings before recovering to 165 for 8 at stumps, with Cameron Green unbeaten on 51.
Starc sets the tone with a record first-ball strike
Starc ripped through the Bangladesh top order, finishing with an explosive return of 6 for 12. The left-armer struck with the very first delivery of the Test, marking the fourth occasion he has taken a wicket with the opening ball of a match — a record-breaking feat — and reduced the visitors to a fragile position as they collapsed to 64 all out in just 34 overs.
Pat Cummins chipped in with useful support for the Australians, returning figures of 3 for 25, but it was Shoriful who produced one of the day’s more remarkable individual performances. Recalled after recovering from a side strain that had kept him out of the first Test, Shoriful claimed a career-best 6 for 35 off 11 incisive overs as he tore through Australia’s second-innings top order.
- Mitchell Starc: 6 for 12
- Shoriful Islam: 6 for 35
- Pat Cummins: 3 for 25
Top-order struggles and a gritty rescue
Australia’s early batting misfortune was compounded by a series of failed starts. Matt Renshaw, making his first Test appearance since 2023, lasted only long enough to register 8 before edging to slip. Marnus Labuschagne continued his frustrating run of form, contributing just 4 and departing after missing a delivery that rebounded off his thigh pad onto the stumps.
Travis Head, who has experienced recent inconsistencies in the series, made 22 but chopped on for the third time in succession. Steve Smith offered resistance with 42 but was adjudged lbw to Shoriful, a decision he reviewed, and Beau Webster and Pat Cummins both fell for ducks to Shoriful’s probing attack.
With the contest balanced unnervingly, Cameron Green performed the heavy lifting. The in-form No 5, who had scored a century in the opening Test in Darwin, compiled an unbeaten half-century — his presence a vital anchor as wickets continued to tumble around him.
Match context and immediate consequences
The day’s events are stark: Bangladesh enjoyed a sensational bowling performance in the first innings thanks largely to Starc, while in reply Shoriful’s return to fitness has immediately repaid the selectors’ faith. The pitch at the Great Barrier Reef Arena clearly offered significant assistance to quick bowlers, producing a relentless tempo of movement and bounce that both visiting and home pace batteries exploited to full effect.
For Australia, the day underlined ongoing concerns about top-order fragility. The recovery to 165 for 8, led by Green, prevented a complete collapse but could leave the hosts under pressure if Bangladesh apply a disciplined approach in the coming sessions. For Bangladesh, the two six-wicket hauls — by Starc in the first innings for Australia and Shoriful in Australia’s second innings — provide a platform from which they can press their advantage.
| Player | Figures |
|---|---|
| Mitchell Starc | 6-12 |
| Shoriful Islam | 6-35 |
| Pat Cummins | 3-25 |
As the series progresses, selectors and coaches will pore over how quickly the Australian top order can rediscover the form that has underpinned their recent success. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will take confidence from having two bowlers deliver match-changing spells on a day when conditions were unequivocally in favour of fast bowling.
The second day promises further drama: whether Australia can consolidate around Green and eke out a competitive lead, and whether Bangladesh’s seam attack can maintain the relentless pressure that produced one of the most extraordinary opening days of Test cricket this summer.
