Lethal Left-Armers Starc and Shoriful Star as Australia Take 101-Run Lead Against Bangladesh in Second Test

Mitchell Starc's devastating 6-12 skittled Bangladesh for 64, but Shoriful Islam struck back with 6-35 as Australia scraped to 165-8, taking a 101-run lead on a dramatic 18-wicket first day in Mackay.

On a chaotic first day at Mackay's Great Barrier Reef Arena, left-arm pacemen stole the show as Australia fought back from their humiliating Darwin defeat to take a 101-run lead against Bangladesh, but their batting frailties remain a concern.

Mitchell Starc's First-Ball Masterclass

Captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl on a pitch prepared like the Gabba, and Mitchell Starc delivered an unforgettable opening spell. He dismissed Shadman Islam with the first ball of the match and had five wickets in just 22 balls the sixth-fastest five-wicket haul in Test history as Bangladesh slumped to 12-5. Starc finished with extraordinary figures of 6-12, his 441st Test wicket moving him past Dale Steyn into 10th place on the all-time list.

Bangladesh's Fightback Led by Shoriful Islam

The recalled Shoriful Islam, who missed the Darwin Test with injury, proved just as dangerous with the ball. His lively left-arm pace blew away Australia's top order, removing Matt Renshaw (8), Travis Head (22), and Marnus Labuschagne (4), before trapping Steve Smith lbw for 44 to end a vital 77-run partnership with Cameron Green . Shoriful finished with 6-35, his first Test five-wicket haul, as Australia lost four wickets for 30 runs in a late collapse.

Cameron Green Holds Firm

Cameron Green remained unbeaten on 51 at stumps, anchoring the innings after his second-innings century in Darwin. Nathan Lyon was 10 not out.

Here is the question this match raises. Eighteen wickets fell on day one, with left-arm pacers dominating on both sides. When a pitch offers so much for fast bowlers, is the contest decided by who adapts fastest, or by luck of the toss?

FAQ:

Q: What happened on day one of the second Australia-Bangladesh Test?
A: A total of 18 wickets fell. Mitchell Starc took 6-12 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 64. Shoriful Islam then took 6-35, but Australia reached 165-8 for a 101-run lead.

Q: How did Mitchell Starc perform in the second Test?
A: Starc took 6-12, including five wickets in 22 balls with the first ball of the match. His 441st Test wicket moved him past Dale Steyn into 10th on the all-time list.

Q: Who was Bangladesh's best bowler on day one?
A: Shoriful Islam, recalled after injury, took 6-35, including the wickets of Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith.

Q: Why did Australia make a change to their team for the second Test?
A: Matt Renshaw replaced Jake Weatherald as opener after Weatherald's underwhelming six-match run.