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Australia’s return to home Test cricket began on a disappointing note in Darwin as Bangladesh produced a disciplined bowling display on the opening day. The hosts were tested early on a surface that offered plenty of assistance to the seamers, with several of Australia’s key batters unable to settle into their usual rhythm.
Steve Smith once again found himself at the centre of Australia’s resistance as Bangladesh continued to apply pressure throughout the first two sessions. However, the visitors gradually gained the upper hand before their own batters walked out to face an Australian attack looking for an immediate response.
Hasan Mahmud stars as Australia collapse for under 200
After Pat Cummins opted to bat first, Australia struggled to settle against Bangladesh’s disciplined pace attack. The hosts lost wickets regularly after their openers put together 45 runs, with Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green all failing to make significant contributions. Smith, meanwhile, battled through difficult conditions to hold the innings together. The veteran batter survived a couple of close calls before gradually adapting to the two-paced surface and completing a crucial 71.
However, Australia’s lower order could not provide enough support. Alex Carey and Beau Webster fell cheaply, while Smith was eventually dismissed by Hasan Mahmud while attempting to accelerate late in the innings. Mahmud finished with outstanding figures of 6/55, registering his best Test figures against Australia and completing his third five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Australia were eventually bowled out for 198.
Bangladesh gain control after early breakthrough
Bangladesh’s openers initially looked comfortable as the pitch became easier for batting in the afternoon. Tanzid Hasan and Shadman Islam played positively against Australia’s pace attack, although the visitors missed an opportunity when Nathan Lyon failed to hold onto a difficult chance from Tanzid. Australia eventually found their breakthrough when Shadman attempted to guide Lyon towards backward point and picked out the fielder.
That dismissal brought Mominul Haque to the crease, and he joined Tanzid in steadying Bangladesh’s innings. The pair negotiated Australia’s bowlers effectively as the visitors struggled to generate the same movement that had troubled the Australian batters earlier in the day.
Bangladesh reached 96/1 at stumps, leaving them just 102 runs behind Australia with nine wickets still in hand. With the surface appearing to become easier to bat on, the visitors will be confident of building a substantial first-innings lead when play resumes on Day 2.
Bangladesh find themselves in a very strong position after the opening day of the Test 💯✌#AUSvBAN #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/BN8DvObEHO
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 13, 2026
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