Bangladesh makes history: Bowls out Australia for record-low total
Theo Al Jazeera English
Hasan Mahmud's career-best 6-55 led Bangladesh to bowl out Australia for a record-low 198 in Test cricket on the opening day in Darwin. Bangladesh responded strongly with 96-1 at stumps, trailing by 102 runs, with Mominul Haque and Tanzid Hasan at the crease.
Pacer Hasan Mahmud delivered a career-best performance of 6-55 to help Bangladesh bowl out Australia for 198 on the opening day of the first Test in Darwin.
At stumps on Thursday, Bangladesh reached 96-1, trailing Australia by 102 runs.
Mominul Haque (35) and Tanzid Hasan (32) were the unbeaten batsmen, giving the visitors a strong start after many had predicted a three-day defeat.
Earlier, Hasan led an impressive bowling attack as Australia slumped to their lowest Test total against Bangladesh, surpassing the previous record of 217 set in Mirpur in 2017.
The 26-year-old was the standout performer but received excellent support from Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain, who took two wickets each.
“I just tried to bowl line and length, believe in the process and do what the captain asked,” Hasan said.
“(Taskin and Ebadot) tried their best and they did really well.”
Steve Smith was the only Australian to offer strong resistance with 71 runs, while the rest of the batting lineup struggled against the disciplined bowling.
“We haven't played Test cricket for a while and it takes time to get back into the rhythm,” Smith said.
“It's not easy. The ball moved around a lot and you have to be patient.
“Maybe we got caught up in some unnecessary shots, but that's the pressure.”
After captain Pat Cummins opted to bat on a perfect day in Darwin, a full-strength Australia was expected to dominate Bangladesh, who had lost to Cricket Australia XI in their only warm-up match.
Hasan made the first breakthrough in the 12th over with the score at 45.
Jake Weatherald (23) threw his bat at a ball outside off stump and only managed an edge to wicketkeeper Litton Das.
Hasan quickly struck again, dismissing opening partner Travis Head for 22, leaving Australia at 52-2.
Bangladesh then missed a big chance when Smith (on 2) edged to Tanzid Hasan at third slip, but the fielder couldn't hold on.
Smith escaped again the following over when he edged a ball that flew through the vacant third slip region.
Marnus Labuschagne (1) was not so fortunate. He nicked one outside off and was caught by skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto at second slip, reducing Australia to 61-3.
Cameron Green came in and played some aggressive shots before being dismissed by Taskin at short midwicket, with Mushfiqur Rahim taking a sharp catch.
Wicketkeeper Alex Carey batted well after lunch and made 19 before falling to Ebadot with the score at 129.
Taskin then produced the ball of the match, beating Beau Webster's defence and clipping the top of off stump, leaving the hosts struggling at 152-6.
Cummins tried to guide his team to tea without further loss, but Shanto brought Hasan back and he made an immediate impact – the Australia captain was out edging to Litton.
Hasan claimed his fourth wicket in similar fashion, Mitchell Starc edging behind to the wicketkeeper with the score at 172.
Smith threw his wicket away attempting a big shot, and Nathan Lyon was the last man out in similar circumstances.
Bangladesh began their innings confidently and reached 36 before the breakthrough came, with Shadman Islam (20) dismissed by a delivery from Mitchell Starc that was caught by Lyon at backward point.
