Bangladesh’s batting order crumbled in dramatic fashion on the opening day of the second Test against Australia, dismissed for a paltry 64 runs in just 34 overs. The collapse came after Australia won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision that paid immediate dividends.
Mitchell Starc was the chief destroyer, claiming six wickets for 12 runs in a hostile 10-over spell. The left-arm quick struck with the very first ball of the innings, removing Shadman Islam to set the tone for a disastrous morning for the hosts.
Top Order Wiped Out in Minutes
Bangladesh’s top four all failed to trouble the scorers. Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Litton Das were all dismissed for ducks, leaving the innings in tatters from the outset. The procession of wickets left the home crowd stunned and the Australian bowlers rampant.
Captain Pat Cummins provided excellent support with three wickets, while Josh Hazlewood chipped in with one. The trio exploited the conditions superbly, generating swing and seam movement that the Bangladeshi batters simply could not handle.
Sharif Islam Offers Late Resistance
Sharif Islam emerged as Bangladesh’s top scorer with 14 runs, and his last-wicket stand of 25 helped the team limp past the 60-run mark. But the damage had long been done, and the innings folded well before lunch.
Australia’s reply was not without its own early wobbles. By the second session, the visitors had lost three wickets for 50 runs, needing another 14 to draw level with Bangladesh’s first-innings total. Still, the day belonged firmly to Starc and the Australian attack.
Bangladesh Aim to Bounce Back After Historic Win
Bangladesh had entered the match full of confidence after winning the opening Test by nine wickets, a historic first victory over Australia. However, the hosts responded with a ruthless bowling display that has put the series firmly back in the balance.
With three days still to play, Australia will look to build a commanding lead, while Bangladesh must find a way to fight back with the ball and avoid a humiliating defeat.
