In a remarkable opening day of Test cricket, Bangladesh’s
pace attack dismantled Australia for just 198 runs on Day 1 of the first Test
at the Marrara Stadium. Playing their first Test on Australian soil in 23
years, the visitors made full use of the green-tinged surface to put the hosts
under relentless pressure.
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| Image Credits: Cricinfo |
Opening Stand and Collapse
Australia won the toss and elected to bat, with local
debutant Jake Weatherald and Travis Head providing a solid opening foundation.
The pair raced to 45 without loss in sunny conditions, briefly putting
Bangladesh on the back foot. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when
right-arm fast bowler Hasan Mahmud was brought into the attack.
Mahmud removed Weatherald (23) as he chased a wide delivery
to edge behind, and in his very next over, bowled Head (22) off an inside edge.
The double strike triggered a severe top-order collapse, reducing Australia
from 45/0 to 52/2 and sending shockwaves through the home side's batting
lineup.
Steve Smith’s Lone Resistance & Mahmud’s 6/55
As wickets tumbled regularly around him—including cheap
dismissals of Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green—Steve Smith stood as
Australia's sole anchor. Scoring a gritty 71 off 109 balls (including seven
boundaries and a six), Smith fought a lonely battle to drag Australia toward
respectability. His innings was not without drama, briefly delayed by a
sight-screen distraction that drew colorful banter from the crowd.
Smith eventually fell attempting a lofted shot off Mahmud,
top-edging to Litton Das. Mahmud completed a historic career-best spell of
6/55, becoming the first Bangladeshi bowler to take six wickets against
Australia in Tests. Taskin Ahmed (2/55) and Ebadot Hossain (2/39) ensured all
ten Australian wickets fell to seam.
Stumps Situation
In response, Bangladesh closed the day at a commanding 96/1 in 24 overs, trailing by just 102 runs. Following Shadman Islam's early departure to Mitchell Starc, Mominul Haque (35*) and Tanzid Hasan (32*) put together an unbeaten 60-run stand to cap off a dream opening day for the visitors.
