Bangladesh produced a brilliant bowling performance on the opening day of the first Test against Australia on Thursday at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin on August 13. Hasan Mahmud took six wickets as Australia were bowled out for 198 after choosing to bat first.
The hosts initially appeared to be in control after Jake Weatherald and Travis Head had a good start. The opening pair contributed 45 runs for the first wicket, taking advantage of the early opportunities in the first stand.
But Bangladesh’s pace attack soon changed the complexion of the innings. Hasan Mahmud made good use of the assistance from the pitch to remove both Australian openers. Head was removed for 22, and Weatherald departed for 23.
Ebadot Hossain then added to Australia’s problems by dismissing Marnus Labuschagne for just one run. Cameron Green also failed to make an impact and fell to Taskin Ahmed for 13.
Australia collapses after promising start
Australia came into the first Test with a lot of batting experience, but Bangladesh's disciplined bowling prevented the home side from building partnerships.
After losing four wickets during the first session, Steve Smith and Alex Carey attempted to stabilise the innings. They added 56 runs for the fifth wicket and appeared to have brought Australia back into the contest.
Smith was much more composed and took advantage of the opportunity to be dropped early in the innings. The veteran player eventually scored 71 runs from 109 deliveries.
However, Australia’s middle and lower order could not provide enough support. When another collapse started after the drinks break, the home side quickly lost control of the innings.
Hasan Mahmud was Bangladesh’s best bowler with six wickets. His spell was crucial in restricting Australia to 198.
Bangladesh make strong start
The response by Bangladesh was also encouraging. Australia’s best fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood were unable to extract enough from the new ball to settle the visitors’ early batters.
Shadman Islam scored 36 before Starc finally dismissed him in the eighth over. His departure, however, did little to halt Bangladesh's progress.
Mominul Haque and young opener Tanzid Hasan then put together an unbeaten partnership for the second wicket. Tanzid, playing only his second Test, showed composure and confidence against Australia's attack.
The pair added 60 runs without being separated before the close of play, leaving Bangladesh on 96/1 at stumps.
Bangladesh trail by only 102 runs
Bangladesh ended the opening day just 102 runs behind Australia's first-innings total, putting the visitors in an excellent position.
The Marrara pitch provided some movement for the fast bowlers, but it was relatively slow. That seemed to suit the Bangladeshi batters who settled once the initial threat from the new ball was diminished.
Australia will need early wickets on the second morning to prevent Bangladesh from taking a significant lead in the first innings. The visitors will have to build on their strong finish and take a good position to establish.
Hasan Mahmud has already produced a match-changing spell, and Bangladesh have made an emphatic statement on the opening day of the Test. Australia now have to stop the visitors from taking advantage of the excellent start to a large first-innings lead.
