Mackay, August 22, 2026: Left-arm fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Shoriful Islam claimed six-wicket hauls as Bangladesh fought back from a disastrous start against Australia on a dramatic opening day of the second Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena on Saturday.
A remarkable 18 wickets fell on a lively Mackay pitch, with Australia reaching 165 for eight at stumps after Bangladesh were dismissed for just 64 in their first innings. The hosts held a 101-run lead at the close, with Cameron Green unbeaten on 51 and Nathan Lyon on 10.
Starc produced a devastating opening spell, claiming 6-12 as Bangladesh collapsed in the first session. The veteran paceman removed the first five wickets in just 22 deliveries before completing his sixth-wicket haul shortly after lunch.
The performance marked the sixth-fastest five-wicket haul in Test history for the 36-year-old, who holds the record for the fastest after taking five wickets in 15 balls against the West Indies in Kingston last year.
Starc also moved to 10th on the all-time Test wicket-takers’ list. His dismissal of Bangladesh wicketkeeper Litton Das for a duck took his career tally to 441 wickets, moving him past South Africa great Dale Steyn.
Bangladesh’s innings was over shortly after lunch, with Shoriful Islam top-scoring for the visitors with 14 from 19 balls despite facing a barrage of short-pitched deliveries from Australia captain Pat Cummins.
Bangladesh appeared to be heading for another difficult day after their batting collapse, but Shoriful returned the favour with a remarkable spell that transformed the contest.
The recalled left-armer finished with 6-35, securing his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket after missing the opening Test in Darwin because of a hamstring injury.
Shoriful struck three times in five deliveries during the final hour to drag Bangladesh back into the contest.
He removed Travis Head for 22 and Marnus Labuschagne for four before trapping Steve Smith lbw for 42, ending a 77-run partnership between Smith and Green.
Shoriful then dismissed Cummins for a duck with a fierce bouncer that brushed the Australia captain’s glove and shoulder before being caught behind.
“It felt great because he bounced me and hit my shoulder,” Shoriful said with a laugh after play.
His six-wicket haul gave Bangladesh renewed hope after they had been dismissed so cheaply earlier in the day.
Australia’s top order again struggled, continuing concerns that emerged during their shock nine-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test in Darwin.
Cummins won the toss and opted to bowl first on a bouncy surface prepared in conditions reminiscent of Brisbane’s Gabba.
Starc justified the decision almost immediately, dismantling Bangladesh’s top order with movement and pace.
After Bangladesh’s collapse, Australia appeared to be in complete control, but their second innings quickly became another struggle.
Recalled opener Matt Renshaw, replacing Jake Weatherald after his two failures in Darwin, was caught in the slips for eight off Taskin Ahmed.
Alex Carey followed for five after attempting to attack spin-bowling all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Carey’s dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse as Australia lost four wickets for just three runs. Beau Webster was trapped lbw for a duck, becoming one of six batters dismissed without scoring during a chaotic day.
Cummins provided some resistance with the ball, taking 3-25 after claiming only one wicket in the first Test.
Green, meanwhile, remained Australia’s key source of stability. The all-rounder followed his century in Darwin with an unbeaten 51, carrying Australia through another difficult batting session.
