Australia respond strongly in Mackay as Mitchell Starc’s six-wicket haul puts Bangladesh under enormous pressure.
Australia have made a powerful response in the second Test against Bangladesh after suffering a historic nine-wicket defeat in the opening match in Darwin. The hosts dominated the opening stages in Mackay, with Mitchell Starc leading a devastating bowling performance.
Bangladesh were bowled out for only 64 runs in their first innings, giving Australia a major advantage. Starc was the star performer, taking six wickets and immediately putting Bangladesh under pressure by removing Shadman Islam with the first delivery of the match.
The collapse was a dramatic turnaround from the first Test, where Bangladesh secured their first-ever Test victory over Australia. That result had placed Australia under pressure to respond strongly in the second and final match of the series.
Australia’s batting response was not completely straightforward, however. Bangladesh’s bowlers fought back after Australia reached 50 for three, with Shoriful Islam taking two late wickets to dismiss Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne.
Despite those setbacks, Australia’s overall position remained strong because Bangladesh had been restricted to such a small first-innings total. The hosts will be looking to build a lead and put themselves in a position to level the two-Test series.
The second Test has therefore already produced a dramatic change in momentum. After Bangladesh’s historic success in Darwin, Australia’s response in Mackay has shown why the hosts remain one of the strongest Test teams in world cricket.
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