Starc Strikes as 18 Wickets Fall on Chaotic Day in Mackay

Mitchell Starc tore through Bangladesh before Australia’s batters suffered another difficult examination as 18 wickets fell on the opening day of the second Test in Mackay. BBC Sport reported that Bangladesh were dismissed for 64, their fourth-lowest total in Test cricket, before Australia reached 165-8 at stumps for a lead of 101 runs.

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Starc set the tone immediately by having Shadman Islam caught behind from the first ball of the match. The left-arm fast bowler claimed five wickets within his opening 22 deliveries as Bangladesh collapsed to 12-5. Captain Pat Cummins finished with 3-25, and the tourists were reduced to 39-9 before their final pair extended the innings to 64 from 34 overs.

Australia then encountered problems of their own. Matt Renshaw, recalled in place of Jake Weatherald following the first-Test defeat in Darwin, made eight before edging to first slip. Travis Head was bowled for 22 after chopping the ball onto his stumps, while Marnus Labuschagne was bowled for four. Labuschagne’s wait for another Test century has now reached 43 innings.

Steve Smith and Cameron Green steadied the hosts with a 77-run partnership. The recovery ended when Smith was dismissed leg before wicket for 42, triggering another slide in which Australia lost four wickets for 30 runs. Alex Carey made five and Beau Webster was out for a first-ball duck as Bangladesh ensured Australia could not turn their early advantage into complete control.

Green remained unbeaten on 51 at the close, continuing his productive match after making a second-innings century in Darwin. Nathan Lyon was 10 not out alongside him. Bangladesh left-arm quick Shoriful Islam was the standout bowler for the tourists, taking 6-35 and giving his side a route back into the match despite their severe batting collapse.

Starc’s performance also carried a career milestone. His Test wicket tally rose to 441, moving him above former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn and into 10th place on the all-time list. Australia ended the day in front, but Bangladesh’s response with the ball left the second Test finely balanced after an eventful first day.