Australia responded emphatically to their opening-match
stumble by crushing Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs inside two days in the
second Test. After being stunned previously, the hosts bounced back behind a
masterclass from Mitchell Starc, who finished with match figures of 10 for 51.
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| Mitchell Starc celebrating a wicket at MacKay. Image Credits: Cricinfo |
Sent in to bat, Bangladesh's first innings collapsed dramatically to 64 all out in 34 overs, with Starc doing the major damage by taking 6 for 12. Australia managed 210 in reply, anchored by Cameron Green's gritty 67 off 105 balls and Steve Smith's 42. Bangladesh bowler Shoriful Islam starred for the visitors with a brilliant spell of 7 for 48, carving out a career-best performance.
Holding a vital 146-run first-innings lead, the Australian
bowling attack wasted no time in the second innings. Starc tore through the top
order again, picking up 4 for 39 to complete his 10-wicket match haul. Captain
Pat Cummins (3/10) and Nathan Lyon (3/25) provided exceptional support,
dismantling the rest of the lineup as Bangladesh folded for 95. Captain Najmul
Hossain Shanto offered brief resistance with 31, and Mushfiqur Rahim remained
unbeaten on 29, but the team crumbled under sustained pressure.
The comprehensive victory levels the two-match series 1-1, highlighting Australia's ruthless adaptability in home conditions.
