Mitchell Starc continued his impressive form, taking 4 wickets in the second innings and 10 for the match, as Australia beat Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs on the second day of the second Test in Mackay. The win also saw the hosts level the two-Test series at 1-1.
Bangladesh had entered the match on a high after their shock nine-wicket victory over the world's top-ranked team in the first Test in Darwin. However, they were brought back down to earth by a formidable Australian display, led by Starc's match figures of 10-51.
The opening day saw 18 wickets fall in tense conditions. On day two, Australia were bowled out for 210 in their first innings, gaining a 146-run lead thanks to Cameron Green's 67. For Bangladesh, Shoriful Islam took 7-48, the best bowling figures by a Bangladeshi pacer on foreign soil.
Bangladesh collapsed for just 64 in their first innings, with Starc taking 6-12. In the second innings, they fell for 95, with Starc adding 4-39. Captain Pat Cummins also contributed with 3-10, and Nathan Lyon took 3-25.
“A lot of things went right over the last two days and a lot went wrong last week. We needed to stand up, and it's been a great couple of days from the boys. I think everyone was focused. It was a great start and we didn't let up after that,” Cummins said.
Bangladesh's start was poor as Shadman Islam lasted only three balls before being dismissed by a Starc delivery. Mominul Haque fell next ball, edging to slip, giving Starc a chance for a hat-trick. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who had scored a duck in the first innings, survived this time to deny Starc the hat-trick.
However, Tanzim Hasan soon departed for 9, caught behind off Starc. Shanto resisted for 46 balls after lunch but then fell to Lyon's spin, caught at long off for 31, with Starc taking the catch. Starc remained in the spotlight when he had Litton Das caught behind for a duck.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz also fell cheaply, while Hasan Mahmud was dismissed by Cummins for 2. Starc sealed his fourth 10-wicket haul in Tests when he bowled Taijul Islam for 7. Lyon quickly wrapped up the tail in the first over after tea.
“We knew how strong Australia are. They showed their class. Our batting wasn't up to scratch. Conditions here were tough with bounce and spin; we want to learn from this match,” Shanto said.
Australia resumed on 165-8, with Green and Lyon at the crease. Green, who scored a century in the first Test, was dismissed by a Shoriful yorker. Lyon lifted Australia past 200 with a six, and Josh Hazlewood contributed a valuable 24 before the innings ended with Lyon unbeaten on 32.
