By Hishan Welmila
Australia produced a stunning response to their shock defeat in Darwin, crushing Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs in the second Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay to level the two-match series 1-1. The match lasted less than two days, with Mitchell Starc delivering a devastating ten-wicket performance to lead Australia’s remarkable turnaround.
The victory was particularly significant after Bangladesh had stunned Australia in the opening Test, securing a historic nine-wicket victory at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin. Australia were bowled out for 198 in their first innings and 284 in the second, while Bangladesh posted 426 before reaching 57 for one to complete one of their most memorable Test victories. It was Bangladesh’s first Test win on Australian soil and gave them a 1-0 lead in the series.
Australia entered the second Test under considerable pressure, but captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to field. The decision immediately paid dividends as Starc tore through the Bangladesh batting line-up with extraordinary pace and accuracy.
Bangladesh were dismissed for just 64 in their first innings, with Starc taking six wickets for only 12 runs. Captain Cummins also played a major role with the ball, while Nathan Lyon contributed with three wickets. The collapse left Australia with an opportunity to take complete control of the match.
Australia’s own batting was far from dominant, as they were eventually dismissed for 210. However, Cameron Green once again provided crucial resistance, scoring 67 after his century in the first Test had been one of the few highlights of Australia’s defeat in Darwin. Australia’s 146-run first-innings lead proved more than enough to put Bangladesh under enormous pressure.
Bangladesh’s second innings followed a similar pattern to their first. The Australian bowling attack maintained relentless pressure, with Starc claiming another four wickets to complete match figures of 10 for 51. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for only 95, giving Australia victory by an innings and 51 runs.
Starc’s performance earned him Player of the Match honours and capped a superb series for the veteran fast bowler. He finished the two-Test series with 12 wickets at an average of 12.08 and moved to 10th on the all-time Test wicket-takers list with 445 wickets.
For Bangladesh, the series nevertheless represented a major step forward. Their historic victory in Darwin demonstrated their ability to challenge Australia away from home, while the second Test exposed the difficulties they faced against Australia’s pace attack on a very different Mackay surface. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto acknowledged the need for his side to adapt better to changing conditions.
Australia, meanwhile, can take confidence from their emphatic response. After being comprehensively outplayed in Darwin, they returned with a performance built around disciplined fast bowling, strong leadership and greater intensity.
The 1-1 result leaves both sides with positives from a memorable series. Bangladesh have strengthened their reputation as an increasingly competitive Test side, while Australia have shown their ability to recover quickly from a major setback. For Cummins and his team, the Mackay victory restores some momentum ahead of their upcoming assignments, while Bangladesh can look back on their historic Darwin triumph as a landmark moment in their Test cricket journey.
Be the first to comment