Australia bowled out under 200 for 1st time by Bangladesh in Tests, no support for Steve Smith as batting woes continue

Playing a Test after six months, Australia batting lineup faced a record-breaking collapse against Bangladesh on the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh at Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin. Despite Bangladesh missing their express pacer Nahid Rana, Bangladesh were bowl out Australia in little over two sessions for 198, thanks to Hasan Mahmud’s record-breaking six-wicket haul.

This is Australia’s lowest total in Test cricket against Bangladesh. Their previous lowest was 217 which came in Mirpur in 2017. Australia lost that Test by 20 as Shakib Al Hasan claimed two fifers and scored 84 runs.

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AUS collapse but Smith gets reprieve

Australia got off to a decent start. The opening partnership was broken by Hasan Mahmud during his marathon opening spell by Mahmud with Jake Weatherald’s wicket. He dismissed Travis Head in his next over as well. Steve Smith got an early reprieve as his catch was dropped when he was batting on two runs Marnus Labuschagne's lull continued as he fell for a single-digit score to Ebadot Hossain. Similarly, Cameron Green couldn't make an impact. He fell to Taskin Ahmed. From 45 for no loss, Australia were 74/4.

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Mahmud magic outshines Smith

Alex Carey could not build on a good start and got bowled by Hossain. Smith held on to one end but wickets fell on the other. Beau Webster got bowled by Ahmed. Then, Mahmud mopped up the lower order and the tail along with Smith to script history. Smith turned out to be the top-scorer for Australia, scoring 71 runs from 109 deliveries, including seven fours and a six.

The young pacer registered a six-wicket haul becoming the first Bangladesh bowler to take five wickets or more in a Test innings against Australia at home or away. His six wickets for 53 runs is the third-best bowling figures in Australia-Bangladesh Test cricket history.

Rare sight in Darwin

Overall, Mahmud became the fourth pacer to take five wickets or more in a Test at the venue. The top spot belongs to Michael Kasprowicz with seven wickets for 39 runs against Sri Lanka in July 2004. In the same Test, Sri Lanka's Chaminda Vaas took five wickets for 31 runs. Also, Glenn McGrath took five wickets for 37 runs.