Bangladesh humble Australia with worst total in contest as Hasan takes 6-55

What the report says

Bangladesh produced a strong opening day against Australia in the first Test in Darwin, with seamer Hasan Mahmud taking a career-best 6-55 as the visitors dismissed the hosts for 198. The total was Australia’s lowest in a Test against Bangladesh, improving on their previous low of 217, according to the Al Jazeera report based on AFP coverage.

Australia chose to bat first, but their innings was repeatedly disrupted by disciplined pace bowling from Bangladesh. Hasan was backed by Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain, who took two wickets each, while Steve Smith made 71 as the only substantial Australian resistance. The rest of the batting order fell to a mix of edges, catches and misjudged shots on a pitch that appeared to offer some movement.

Bangladesh responded positively before stumps, reaching 96-1 and trailing by 102 runs. Mominul Haque was unbeaten on 35 and Tanzid Hasan on 32 when play ended, after opener Shadman Islam was dismissed for 20. The position gave Bangladesh an early advantage in a match many expected Australia to control, and it underlined the visitors’ ability to compete in conditions away from home.

The broader significance is that Bangladesh’s attack made the most of a full-strength Australia lineup, while the home side’s batting was exposed after a limited warm-up. As a Test series opener, the result set up an unexpected contest from the first day.