Bangladesh’s bowlers produced a dominant display to dismiss Australia for 198 on the opening day of the first Test in Darwin. Hasan Mahmud claimed a career-best 6-55, while Bangladesh reached 96-1 at stumps to trail by 102 runs.
Darwin | By Sara Amiri
Bangladesh made the most of a green-tinged pitch at Marrara Oval to put Australia under pressure on the opening day of the Top End Test series, with Hasan Mahmud leading the attack with a career-best six-wicket haul.
Australia won the toss and elected to bat but were reduced to 52-2 after Hasan dismissed Jake Weatherald for 23 and Travis Head for 22.
Bangladesh’s pace attack continued to apply pressure through the opening two sessions. Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain took two wickets each, while Steve Smith provided Australia’s main resistance with a gritty 71.
Smith faced 109 balls and struck seven boundaries and a six before Hasan dismissed him for his fifth wicket of the innings. Hasan then removed Nathan Lyon for seven to complete Australia’s innings at 198 after 53 overs.
Alex Carey scored 19, Beau Webster made 12 and Pat Cummins contributed nine, but Australia struggled to build sustained partnerships against Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling.
Bangladesh made a positive start to their reply, reaching 96-1 by stumps. Shadman Islam scored 20 before he was dismissed by Mitchell Starc, while Mominul Haque remained unbeaten on 35 and Tanzid Hasan on 32.
The pair added an unbeaten 60-run partnership to leave Bangladesh in a strong position at the close of play.
The match marks Australia’s first Test since their 4-1 Ashes victory over England and Bangladesh’s first Test in Australia since 2003.
The two-Test Top End series is part of a busy period for Australia, which is scheduled to play 20 Tests over the next 12 months, including series in South Africa, India and England.