Australia bite back as 18 wickets fall on day one of second Bangladesh Test

What the report says

Australia and Bangladesh endured a remarkable opening day in the second Test in Mackay, Queensland, where 18 wickets fell and the home side finished with a 101-run lead after being set a modest target. According to Al Jazeera’s report from August 22, 2026, Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bowl, and the decision paid off immediately as Mitchell Starc and Shoriful Islam dominated in a pace-heavy contest.

Bangladesh were dismissed for 64, with Starc taking 6-12 and Shoriful returning career-best figures of 6-35 in a standout effort for the visitors. Starc’s burst included the first-ball wicket of Shadman Islam and left Bangladesh struggling early, while the lower order briefly extended the innings beyond the team’s previous lowest Test total. The report said only a small partnership at the end prevented an even more drastic collapse.

Australia’s reply was also unsettled. By stumps they had reached 165-8, with Cameron Green unbeaten on 51 and Nathan Lyon on 10. Bangladesh’s bowlers, especially Shoriful, kept pressure on the hosts and removed several top-order batters, including Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith. The day highlighted how strongly both teams’ fast bowlers influenced the match and set up a potentially short, decisive Test if the pitch continues to assist seam and swing.