Australia vs Bangladesh 2nd Test, Day 1 Highlights: Mitchell Starc produced a sensational spell as Australia bowled Bangladesh out for just 64 in Mackay before taking control of the match with the bat.
Australia have delivered an explosive response in the AUS vs BAN Test, with Mitchell Starc tearing through Bangladesh’s batting order in a remarkable opening-day performance at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.
After suffering a stunning nine-wicket defeat in the first Test in Darwin, Australia entered the second and final Test under serious pressure. But Starc quickly changed the mood around the series, producing one of the most devastating spells of his Test career.
Bangladesh were dismissed for just 64 runs, with Starc claiming 6/12 as Australia’s pace attack dominated the historic Test debut at Mackay. Australia then faced early trouble in their reply but recovered to move past Bangladesh’s total before tea.
Mitchell Starc Creates History in AUS vs BAN 2nd Test
Starc set the tone immediately after Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bowl first.
The left-arm quick struck with the very first ball of the match, removing Shadman Islam and sending Bangladesh into immediate trouble. He continued to attack with pace, swing and bounce, leaving the visitors struggling to recover.
The fast bowler completed his five-wicket haul in just 22 balls, while his opening burst placed Australia firmly in control of the Test. His extraordinary spell also added another remarkable chapter to his career as one of the game’s most dangerous new-ball bowlers.
Bangladesh’s batting lineup collapsed rapidly as Australia’s bowlers exploited the helpful Mackay conditions.
Bangladesh Collapse for 64 After Historic Darwin Win
The dramatic collapse came only days after Bangladesh produced one of the greatest results in their Test history.
In the opening Test in Darwin, Bangladesh stunned Australia by nine wickets to record their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil. The result gave the visitors a 1-0 series lead and created the possibility of a historic series win.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically on the opening day in Mackay.
Australia’s fast bowlers came out with renewed intensity after the Darwin defeat. Starc led the destruction, while Cummins and Josh Hazlewood backed him up as Bangladesh slipped from one wicket to another.
Australia eventually bowled Bangladesh out for 64, putting the hosts in a strong position to level the series.
Australia Suffer Early Batting Wobbles
Australia’s response was not completely straightforward.
Bangladesh’s bowlers struck early, removing Matt Renshaw, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne cheaply. Renshaw had returned to the side after Australia made a change following the first Test defeat, replacing Jake Weatherald at the top of the order.
For a brief period, Bangladesh appeared capable of turning the pressure back on Australia.
But Steve Smith and Cameron Green steadied the innings and guided Australia beyond Bangladesh’s first-innings score. Their partnership helped the hosts regain control after the early wickets and gave the home side a chance to build a significant lead.
By tea, Australia had reached 97/3, moving 33 runs ahead of Bangladesh after a chaotic opening session and a tense recovery.
AUS vs BAN Test: Australia Push for Series-Levelling Win
The second Test has quickly become a must-win contest for Australia.
Bangladesh arrived in Mackay with a 1-0 lead after their historic Darwin triumph, meaning Australia need a victory to avoid a shock home series defeat.
The Australian team made its intentions clear at the toss when Cummins elected to bowl first, hoping his pace attack would make the most of the conditions. The decision paid off spectacularly as Starc produced a performance that could prove decisive in the series.
With Smith and Green leading the recovery, Australia will now look to turn their first-innings advantage into a commanding position.
For Bangladesh, the challenge is to rediscover the resilience and discipline that powered their famous victory in Darwin.
What Happened in the First AUS vs BAN Test?
Bangladesh shocked the cricket world by defeating Australia by nine wickets in the first Test.
The visitors dominated the match in Darwin and bowled Australia out for 284 in their second innings. Bangladesh then chased a target of 57 with the loss of only one wicket to secure a famous victory.
Cameron Green scored a fighting century for Australia, but his effort could not prevent Bangladesh from registering one of the biggest Test wins in the nation’s cricket history.
That result placed enormous pressure on Australia heading into the second Test.
Australia vs Bangladesh 2nd Test: The Bigger Picture
The Mackay Test is particularly significant because the venue is hosting a Test match for the first time.
Australia came into the series as one of the strongest teams in world cricket, while Bangladesh’s Darwin victory completely changed expectations.
Now, after Mitchell Starc’s sensational spell and Bangladesh’s collapse for 64, Australia have delivered a powerful response.
The match remains far from over, but the opening day has already produced another major twist in a series that continues to surprise.
AUS vs BAN Test Score Summary
- Bangladesh 1st innings: 64 all out
- Australia: Recovered from early wickets to take the lead
- Key performer: Mitchell Starc – 6/12
- Series status: Bangladesh lead 1-0 after their historic nine-wicket win in the first Test
- Venue: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
- Series: 2nd and final Test
AUS vs BAN Test Live Updates: What Happens Next?
Australia will aim to build a substantial first-innings lead and push for a victory that would level the two-Test series.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, need a strong bowling performance to stay in the contest and keep their hopes of a historic series victory alive.
With Starc producing a record-breaking display and Australia already responding strongly after the Darwin disappointment, the AUS vs BAN Test has once again delivered high drama.
The battle in Mackay is shaping up as another major chapter in what has become one of the most surprising Test series of 2026.
Stay tuned for the latest AUS vs BAN Test score, Day 1 highlights, Australia vs Bangladesh match updates, Mitchell Starc wickets and series news.
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